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THE 



MAMA OF EAETH. 



BY 



JEROME KIDDER 




NEW YOEK: 
PUBLISHED BY ADOLPHUS RANNEY, 

195 BROADWAY. 

1857. 






Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1857, 

By JEROME KIDDER, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, in and for the 

Southern District of New York. 



SAVAGE & MCCREA, STEREOTYPKR9, 
13 Chambers Street, N. T. 



PROLEGOMENA, 



I bow respectfully, and offer this book to the public, 
which, I hope, will discover a better reason for its 
appearance than any involving the partial presumption 
that it may have been determined by the ancient re- 
mark, that, " of making many books there is no end." 
What I have written, I have written, for which, I 
know not that there is any occasion consenting to 
the propriety of my offering apology or excuse. 
While it has been my object to show in what way 
human depravity is the result of the violation of the 
law of man's purest and highest being, it has been 
my object also to show that the minds of many, while 
considering human sufferings, often follow in a direc- 
tion that leads away from the greatest evils, to those 
which, in comparison, are almost imaginary, and, 
however evil, yet the result of causes which are too 
little recognized. 



4 PROLEGOMENA. 

I could have chosen a more pleasant theme; for it 
is more agreeable to consider man's virtues rather 
than his vices ; to reflect on good rather than evil — 
pleasure rather than pain — happiness rather than 
misery ; I would look on the pleasing phases of 
society rather than the repulsive — the sunny side of 
life rather than that which is palled with miserable 
night : but, inasmuch as evils of the greatest magni- 
tude present themselves unlooked for, it may be well 
for any one to attempt to direct public attention to 
them, in order to effect, at least, their partial allevia- 
tion, whether in such attempt he should succeed or 
fail. 

I have chosen to give this composition the form of 
a drama ; yet it is not necessary for me to say that it 
is not intended for the stage. The reader will per- 
ceive that the feature of this drama, at the beginning, 
was suggested by portions of " Milton's Paradise 
Lost;" and though the whole may present features 
of fiction, yet it is intended to be founded on Divine 
revelations, truths of history, and facts to which the 
present generation is witness. 

Placing this book before the American people, 
I will be allowed to express the conviction that to 
be a true American, a true Democrat, or a true Re- 
publican, is one ; and when the spirit of such one 



PROLEGOMENA. O 

prays, the chief burthen of that prayer, beyond what 
regards the expansion and continual happiness of his 
immortal being and the best welfare of his imme- 
diate friends, will be for his beloved country ; and 
his country is not merely the town, nor the county, 
nor the state, in which he was born ; nor the east, 
nor the west, nor the north, nor the south — but the 
whole east, and west, and north, and south, of this in- 
dissoluble compact of states. Let peace and prosperity 
attend its course, and its inhabitants be elevated 
in humanity — to which end, may it become free from 
the curse of intemperance, which the proof of history 
shows to be all-sufficient to bring any country down in- 
to ruin: let all its people be nourished into the 
highest and noblest life by the purity of virtue and 
the crystal waters in which are mingled no miseries ; 
no widow's nor orphan's tears ; no poisons for the body 
and the soul. The sound that comes from the crystal 
cascade,is not the lamentation of the bereaved ; it is 
not the sighs of wretchedness and want ; it is not the 
expression of delirious agonies ; it is not the wailing 
of despair from immortal spirits ! It is the music of 
joy — of peace ; it is the song of love which may 
echo in the human heart, and be the accentuation 
that accords with the word of life and the harmony 
of heaven. 



Spirit of Truth, if thou hast power to move 
The blinded world aright, now guide my hand ; 
For by thy power I would essay to prove 
The force which yet lies in the first command : 
Though I would nothing now to earth reveal, 
Yet I should dip my pen in liquid fire, 
And write upon men's hearts that they may feel 
The argument my being doth inspire — 
To move the ponderous theme at my desire. 



> Apostate Angels, 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



Christ, the Savior. 

Uriel, ^ 

Ithuriel, \ Holy Angels. 

and others, \ 

Lucifer, > 

Beelzebub 

Diabolos, 

Mammon, 

Typhon, 

Baccho, 

Imp, 

Adam,) „. 

> First human pair. 
Eve, $ 

Cain, ) ■ 

} Sons to Adam and Eve. 
Abel, ) 

Noah, Builder of the Ark. 

Shem, 

Ham, y Sons to Noah. 

Japheth, 



8 DRAMATIS PERSONS. 

Herod, King of Judea. 

Columbus, a Mariner. 

Legree, a Lawyer ; afterward a Planter. 

Celestra, Wife to Legree. 

Child, Daughter to Legree and Celestra. 

Bridget, Servant to Celestra. 

Cassy, ) . 

_ > Slaves to Legree. 

Emeline, ) 

St. Clare, a Planter. 

Friend of St. Clare and Legree. 

Malverton, formerly a Classmate with Legree. 

Iago, ) Characters represented in the Play o/'Othel- 

Cassio, ) lo, the Moor of Venice. 

Pilot of a Flat-boat — a Whisky-Dealer. 

Stokes, a Flat-boatman. 

Smollick, a regular Loafer. 

Uncle Tom, a Slave to Legree. 

Quimbo, Slave to Legree, and Slave -Overseer. 

Kumblossom, an Insurgent. 

A Valet, southern Gentlemen, northern Gentleman, 
Woman, Marshal, Officers, Soldiers, Citizens, Boat- 
swain, Sailors, Distiller, Servant, Landlords, In- 
surrectionists, Wh isky - Inspector, Land - Pirates, 
Ticket-seller of the Notional Theatre, fyc. 



THE DRAMA OF EAETH. 



SCENE I. 

A dark Abyss. — Lucifer and Beelzebub discovered 
in the Mists. 

Beel. It is so ! Heaven is lost ! Those realms 
of light 
Remain to those who, with victorious might, 
Urged back rebellion — 

Luc. That had nigh usurped 

Entire dominion. We have fled beyond 
Heaven's domination — 

Beel. ' Into deepest wo ! — 

Those blest retreats and those delightful vales, 
Did echo with celestial melodies, 
Till martial strains, athwart the harmony, 
Broke the soft cadence, setting all astir ; 
And the result hath been our overthrow 
Into this dark and horrible abvss, 



10 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Beyond the tone of peace or other sound, 

Except the wail of deepest agonies, 

And raging of these fiery elements. 

Is all for ever lost ? Must we abide 

Our sad reverses in this punishment ? 

Must we endure this torturous extreme ; 

For Heaven's afflictive wrath pursues us here ? 

Luc. Be it not ever thus : What if I charge 
These fulminating lightnings too with wrath, 
With which we may assail heaven's fast-barred gates, 
And wage subversive violence beyond ? 
And if we thus reverse the fate of war — 
And if we thus regain our native heaven — 
And if we thus dethrone heaven's ancient King — 
And if we thus — 

Beel. these unhappy ifs, 

Forebode reverses we might further feel, 
And fill with dread the vast uncertainty. 
When raged the warfare, all our gathered strength 
In phalanx, an innumerable host, 
Thy purpose seconded with fierce array, 
And thou didst lead them all embattled, swift 
On into combat ! Then all heaven shook 
With hostile clamor as th' opposing hosts 
Of cherubim and seraphim arranged 
Imposing on our front, contended hard 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 11 

With might that dared defy Omnipotence; 

For we have learned, though we have learned too late, 

He is Omnipotent who reigns in heaven. 

Long time the even strife of battle raged, 

Until the Son, with potent arm aloft, 

Held forth a shield from which transcendent light 

Flashed swift and fierce across the empyrean, 

Breaking its awful volleys on our hosts, 

Who fled amazed, confounded, and repulsed ; 

And through heaven's walls that oped for us a way, 

With tempests from his armory, pursued 

Into this outer deep, where yet his wrath, 

Lingering, abides, and now awakes these torments ! 

Is it not vain to use our hostile arms 

Against such armor, and wage open war 

'Gainst such a foe ? 

Luc. f It will behoove us rather, 

To vex, as best we can, the powers of heaven, 
But not assail where sure defeat awaits 
With deeper vengeance on our vanquished hosts ; 
Though we are vanquished, we are not subdued — 
No, an immortal hate lives in us still ; 
And yet our foes shall feel its influence. 
I know that God is the Omnipotent : 
The throne whereon he sits, eternally 
Belongs to him, and any power beside 



12 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

Need not dispute heaven's empire with its King, 
Who, from the womb of Chaos, doth evoke 
Innumerable worlds. Now wily thoughts 
Inspire me. I will quickly venture forth 
Into those vasty depths : what if he make 
Of that consistence in which Chaos reigns, 
4- world where I shall be ? 

Beel. What wouldst thou do ? 

Would purposed effort serve thy doing much ? 
Its inward portion wouldst thou melt with fire, 
And from its opening sides spout flaming horrors ? 
And while the angels yet around the throne, 
Sing hallelujahs loud to their Creator, 
Wouldst thou wake howlings in that world, and shout 
Such noises as would fright the empyrean — 
Or aught that would the least advantage us ?■ 

Luc. If chance direct me so that world shall be 
The one on which will dwell the habitants 
Of whom much ancient rumor did foretell — 
Since out of heaven's gates we have been hurled 

Into this dread abyss of punishment, 
The tricks that I shall play upon the world 

Will startle Heaven with astonishment. 

Beel. 0, will they so ? That would be some re- 
turn 
For these afflictions. 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 13 

Luc. It would be some return ! — 

It would be great return for these afflictions. 

Beel. This shall not always be our habitation, 
Immured with God's immitigable wrath. 

Luc. Though it be not, 't is better here to wait 
Awhile among these woes, than serve in heaven. 

Beel. For that there may be no alternative. 

Luc. Beelzebub, thou hast attended me, 
And learned thereby of my intended way 
To Chaos' depths, where I shall seek of chance, 
Direction to that portion of her realm, 
Which being touched by the creative Power 
Shall change into a world whereon shall dwell 
Embodied spirits — Godlike images — 
Of whom prophetic rumor long ago 
Was heard in heaven. Ere I thither go, 
Receive my mandate ; keep the strictest watch 
Along the confines of these angry floods, 
Lest some escape, reluctant to abide 
With us the issues of an adverse war ; 
And thus escaped, pursue their wandering course 
Through Chaos, till the scouts sent out from heaven, 
Espy them, then with searching eye pursue 
The darksome vastness wherein I shall lurk, 
And there discovering me, turn swift their flight 
Back to the empyrean, and acquaint 



14 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Th' Avenger that he stretch his mighty arm, 
And snatch us quickly out the frightened deep 
.Of dark consistence, then to deeper woes 
In blackest hell, fling us precipitant. 
My mandate is delivered, and beware. 

Beel. 'Tis said : Thy mandate shall be my regard: 
But why strict watch ? Can any find a way 
Out this abysm ? I doubt if thou thyself 
Canst make thy strength of such avail ; for see 
What walls of adamantine darkness bound 
This place of torment : Dost thou think to pass 
Through such, and find thy pathway safe beyond ? 

Luc. I do, and with these tangled lightnings, I 
Will pass through the cleft darkness ; there is none 
Of all these hosts that followed us beyond 
Dominion of the Throne, superior 
To thee, and therefore thou mayst reign as prince. 
I shall return to this abode again, 
When I have learned how to enlarge thy reign. 

[Exit Lucifer, breaking his way through 
the darkness with lightnings, 
Beel. The prince of all 

In this abode, 
Where woes appal 
The rebel brood, 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 15 

I can abide 
Those torments sore, 
And I will chide 
No more. 

Diabolos rises through the dark mists 

Diab. 'Tis wo's extreme to tread this angry lake, 

Where fiery tempests ride the murky air, 
And volleyed thunder's heavy movements break 

On night extinguishing the ligntning's glare, 
While from these torments, hideous bowlings wake 

Within this concave echoes of despair ! 

Beel. Thinkst thou that this is the extreme of wo ? 

Diab. What dost thou think ? To be for ever here 
And suffer vengeance ? Say, canst thou endure 
All this? 

Beel. I can endure all this and more ; 
What though th' Avenger hurl upon Our heads 
All vaster torments, still I could endure 
The fierce addition ; for there yet is hope 
That there will come a respite from these woes. 

Diab. That such may be I can not comprehend. 
Will hurling down destruction weary Him, 
The Omnipotent, who drove us out of heaven, 
And thus come slackened vengeance ? or thinkst thou 
This punishment will tame us to submission 



16 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

So that his wrath be quiet ? Thou dost know 
We could not serve in heaven, and therefore comes 
This dread infliction. 

Beel. If the will rebel 

Against strict fate, it makes itself a hell : 
To this endurance let the will accord 
Until the future show how we may turn 
Regard upon the vexed Creation yet. 

Diab. Creation : Ay, I know thou meanest much ; 
Yet can we hinder the creative Power, 
Or mar a portion of his work, thinkst thou ? 
If so, when may it have accomplishment ? 

Beel. I can not tell thee now, though well I know 
The future doth reserve advantages 
For us, and these, unlooked for, when they come, 
May startle heaven's triumphant warriors. 

Diab. The present we know well and can not 
choose, 
Although we rather would be ignorant 
Of that we be, and of this sufferance, 
Yet why, if shadows of the future come 
To do thee service, didst thou take up arms 
Against th' Omnipotent, and not foresee 
Thyself and all these legions hurled beyond 
Heaven's confines, and beyond the bounds of light, 
Into this utter darkness — canst thou tell 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 17 

So much about the past I fain would know ? 

Beel. The past is past, and subject to no change : 
Therefore turn not reflections on the past, 
But rather turn thy hopes upon the future 
That may bring change to this unhappy durance — 
For to this end has Lucifer gone hence, 
And me appointed prince in this abysm. 

Diab. He gone ? I had not thought it possible 
That even the mightiest could make his way 
Through these, vast walls of adamantine night, 
That do surround this depth of misery. 
Then why may we not follow, and escape 
These punishments ? 

Beel. Nay, I have charge to watch 

That none from this dark prison shall escape, 
Lest at imprudent time there should go forth 
These legions to th' espy of scouts from heaven, 
And thus bring on us vengeance multiplied. 

Diab. Does he thus first attempt the desert void, 
And there to deviate through darkest space, 
Or search the crude consistence whereof worlds 
Innumerable are made, that he may hide 
From the Almighty's vengeance — he, the first 
Who did insinuate among these hosts 
Hapless rebellion — does he now command 
That none else flee beyond Heaven's wrath inflict, 



18 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Lest numbers should betray to Heaven's watch, 
Yet thinking there himself safe, where no eye 
Of Heaven's vigilance can search him out — 
He that did lead us into direst conflict, 
And overthrow into this dreadful deep ? 

Beel. Beyond these walls, but not from punishment, 
Hath he escaped ; for yet Heaven's wrath inflicts 
Enduring woes within him, and himself 
Is ever his own hell, as we our own — 
Although we curse these fiery elements 
That strive tempestuous. He now doth tread, 
Afar beyond these walls, the solitude 
Of ancient Chaos, which creative Power 
Molds into worlds, and in their circling ways 
Sets periods continual of time. There Lucifer has gone. 
What thinkst thou if his espionage search out, 
Some part the universe, the mystery 
Of the creation, and, by prudent wiles, 
Vex the Creator sorely by pursuing 
With vast destruction the ultimity 
Of all his works ? 

Diab. I wish it may be done ; 

For such revenge would lessen much our woes. 

Beel. And such may be our reasonable hope. 

Diab. A hope that will present us present cheer. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 19 

Imp appears through the dark mist. 

Imp. I wish I were in heaven again, gathering 
Sweet dews, breathing the balms, and listening 
To best music of harps, which I can not 
Hear now in this dark place of torments ; but 
In this most hot and smoky place I hear 
Lamenting noise, which I help make ! I wish 
I were in heaven again. 

Beel. If thou dost wish such wishes, thou mayst wish 
Till thou shalt wish that wishing wishes thus 
Could bring thy wish. I tell thee, wishing Imp, 
If thou dost have such wishes in thy thoughts, 
It will be better not to utter them. 

Imp. More wishes thou hast uttered even now 
Than I have. 

Beel. Tempt me not to do thee harm, 

Or I will make thee wish thou couldst not speak. 

Imp. Thou canst not do more harm to me than I 
Feel now : I will get out of this bad place. 

Beel. Wilt thou ? ha ! wilt thou ? I tell thee, Imp, 
That thou canst not ; and if thou shouldst attempt, 
I will bind thee with lightnings, and cast thee down 
Into the uttermost deep, and pile on thee 
Mountains of melting adamant ! Aha ! 
There thou shalt ever strive in vain to give 
To discontent a partial utterance. 



20 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Imp. Oh ! oh ! I will not try to get away, 
And I will do whatever thou require. 

Beel. And wilt thou ever do what I require ? 

Imp. Ever, Master, if it be in my power. 

Beel. Thou shalt ; and let thy disaffection ceaso 
From audible expression ; so shalt thou, 
With experiment, find what is best. 

Imp. That I have done : what is there more that thou 
Wilt have me do ? I '11 do it quickliest. 

Beel. Thou mayst wander through these sulphurous 
mists, 
Which will affect thee with a change, and make 
Obedience, result of willingness : 
Naught further yet — and yet the future may 
Bring much to be accomplished by thy aid. 

Imp. I go, Master — I go my way through fire, 
And smoke, and noises ; for I must obey. [Exit Imp. 

Beel. Imp was the youngest of the warring host, 
And hesitated whether he should join 
Our forces in the conflict, when all heaven 
Jarred heavy with the clash of armories — 
And lingered last of all who thence were driven ; 
And palest fear attended his dire way. 

Diab. Although so young, and slow in choice, yet wise 
Perhaps as we, who, choosing quickly, chose 
The cause that brought upon us all this ill. 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 21 

Beel. 'Tis done beyond all hope or thought of 
change, 
Except such change as gratifies revenge ; 
Therefore our business will be yet to do 
What comes in range of our vindictive power. 
Is not ambition now half satisfied ? 
We know our strength ; before, we knew it not : 
And what if knowledge be so dearly bought ? — 
'Tis better thus by far than not to know. 
Here will we wander through these wrathful fires, 
Contriving mischief until Lucifer 
Shall make return from his adventure far ; 
Then may we know how we can bring our hate 
To bear effective 'gainst creative Might ! [Exemt. 



22 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



SCENE II. 

Eden. — Enter Lucifer. 

Lucifer. This world from chaos rolled, at His com- 
mand 
Who rules in the creation as in heaven, 
Where I could never reign ; yet in this world 
I will set up my everlasting kingdom, 
If it avail me aught that I reign here. 
These beasts of many kinds, fowls of the air, 
And finny tribes that move among the floods, 
Which the Creator made to suit his pleasure, 
Are not of my regard save to destroy : 
Should I destroy them it would suit my pleasure, 
If there be none of higher order here, 
On whom to wreak revenge for all our woes : — 
But what is he who walks the earth erect, 
Whose brow is throned reason, and his bearing 
So like an angel — rather like a God ! 
Creation's ultimate — the counterpart 
Of the creative Prototype ! — The beasts 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. Z6 

Around him fawn and do him reverence, 

And there submissively await him lord. 

He seems the object of Heaven's chief regard, 

And hence he is the object of my hate. 

I further see he is accompanied 

By one, his like, yet of a softer mold. 

To them alone, upon this world is given, 

Thought's interchange by speech. Are they not Gods ? 

Who have such bearing, and whose images 

Show such an impress of intelligence, 

Where reason is the umpire ? Are they Gods ? 

Together they make casual approach, 

And I will be invisible among 

These comprehending shades, and hear their converse. 

Enter Adam and Eve. 

Eve. how much happiness it is to be 
Where Heaven's favors are so bountiful 
That they administer to all our wants ! 

Adam. Not only to be here among these bounties 
Of pleasing prospects and delicious fruits, 
But to be here with thee, my loved companion, 
Is all the fullness of my earthly bliss. 

Eve. When thou art happy, I am happy too — 
So much thy joys administer to mine ; 
And thus I think it will for ever be. 



24 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Adam. It will be ever thus, if we obey 
As willing subjects to the will of Heaven. 
Thou seest all these beasts which we have named, 
Do fawn obsequious ; we are lords of them, 
And they obey us ; they yield not in strength : 
'Tis the superiority of mind 
That holds them willing in submission now. 
Our reason's tenure is conditional, 
Which with its normal influence directs 
Our actions that we do no being wrong, 
But have a love for all that God has made ; 
And then the soul exists in purity. 
If no extraneous and rebellious essence 
Mix with the salient currents of the life, 
Then will our beings ever thus remain 
In harmony with all the universe, 
And the Creator of the universe. 

Eve. And is there danger that our reason be, 
By some rebellious essence, overcome, 
So that, from its abnormal influence, 
We would regard not universal good ? 

Adam. Eve, there is an interdicted tree 
In th' midst of this fair garden, which, if we 
Partake of, dreadful ill will come upon us : 
And passing near, no doubt thou hast observed 
Its branches reaching far on every side ; 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 25 

And specious is its fruit ; but if we taste, 
Or even touch it, we will surely die ! 

Eve. And yet I can not comprehend what death 
We would incur by eating of that fruit. 
Would these our bodies, in the self-same day, 
Cease to exist, and be entirely nothing ? 
Or can the meaning be, death of the soul ? 
I rather think the soul will never die, 
But will live on, and on, and on, forever. 

Adam. We would not cease to be, but cease to bear 
The image of our Archetype divine. 
That fruit has such pernicious quality, 
It would contaminate the fluid life, 
That, from the fountain, does its offices 
To the whole system ; and the mind would be 
Dragged down in deepest darkness, destitute 
Of thoughts of heaven and eternity ; 
And on the very earth — below the earth — 
Even lower than the beasts — our grovelling thoughts 
Would course in deep and dire depravity. 

Eve. partner of my joys ! who taught thee thus ? 

Adam. A short time since, even. when thou wast 
created, 
Which time I slept, came dreams, with sights and 
sounds 

That waked my soul. Anon an angel came 

2 



26 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

From the bright regions just beyond the sky, 

Which opened as he passed, who turned his flight 

Down into Paradise, and over me 

Made sudden pause, with admonition thus : — 

" Adam, attend ; thy Maker will command." 

Anon a voice out of the empyrean, 

Came down in soft, commanding cadences: — 

" Of every tree of th' garden thou mayst eat ; 

But of the tree of th' knowledge of good and evil, 

Thou shalt not eat of it ; for in the day 

Thereof thou eatest, thou shalt surely die !" 

Eve, great then was my anxiety, 
And fearful my misgivings ; but anon, 
The angel did instruct and comfort me, 
Admonishing obedience to Heaven, 

As I have since advised. Eve, thou hast heard : 
My dear companion, let us e'er be wary. 
The orb of day now stoops before the night ; 
Let us go, therefore, to our couch of rest. 

[Exeunt Adam and Eve. 
Ldc. Go ; and ere long a living death await you, 
And everlasting anguish be your rest ! 
There is no secret out of heaven — none 
That seiwes not espionage. My legions vast, 
That are imprisoned far in vaster night, 

1 shall bring hither for no little cause : 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 27 

Beelzebub, whom I appointed prince 

In the complaining deep, to ease the wounds 

Which his expectancy had erst received 

By dire expulsion from the realms of light, 

With his auxiliar service here will serve me ; 

And all that there bewail their miseries, 

Let forth from wrathful night, shall hither come, 

And find a respite doing mischief here ! 

I will haste thither — heaven's gate is shut ; 

The day descends, and shade lies on my way ; 

But yonder, as from heaven, now Uriel 

Bears hitherward, and light attends his way ; 

I know him well, for once we closely met 

In conflict, but it now must be my care 

That he shall not know me, nor whence I am ; 

No doubt I can learn much to my advantage, 

If I await his coming and appear 

An angel as from heaven immediate — 

Now with the semblance of supernal sheen, 

I will dissemble so that afterward, 

Myself will marvel when I think of it. 

Enter Uriel. 
I saw thee [to Uriel] , when thy bright and airy way 
Turned hitherward across the evening mists. 
Admiring all the works of the Creator, 
As I, thou too, perhaps, hast hither come, 



28 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Down from th' empyreal regions to behold, 

With an exploring eye, this happy world. 

What joy it is to chant in heaven the praise 

Of Him who hath created the blest spirits 

In heaven adoring, and the many orbs 

In the immensity : what joy to swell 

The song loud and afar, and hear the choir 

Of vast creation all in chorus join, 

And tongues celestial chime the interlude 

Of cadences among the rolling spheres. 

Uriel. To Him all praise belongs : To Him all 

heaven 

Attune symphonious songs, while all His works 

Accord soft harmonies. 

Luc. Verily, hast thou, 

While in thy wanderings, visited the orbs 

Circling the day, or far beyond the light 

That flows effulgent here, even in the vast 

Which the creation fills, found other worlds 

That, more than this, partake of heaven's regard, 

Where beings dwell, highest in excellence 

Of any that inhabit them ? 

Uriel. None more than this ; 

For here the habitation is of man, 

The highest of intelligences that 1 

Inhabit any orb, of whom the fame 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 29 

Went forth prophetic 'mong the heavenly hosts, 
Long time before the mighty King did wage, 
Against arrayed rebellion, dreadful war, 
When all his enemies were overthrown, 
And cast out into darkness — into wo ! 

Luc. A loss much felt in heaven when suddenly, 
So many legions left their sighing harps 
Strewed thickly over heaven's broad champaign ! 

Uriel. Th' extreme necessity that did compel 
The swift expulsion thence, did not prevent 
Commiseration for the dire distress 
Of heaven's lost legions, whose sad harps — attuned, 
In their last touch, to the according praise 
That rang symphonious through the empyrean — 
Sighed forth their lingering tones in lamentation, 
And mournful grew the cadence, and more mournful, 
Till drowned with din of hostile .armaments ; 
And when the volleys of transcendent light 
From the uplifted shield of Heaven's Son, 
Broke on the serried ranks of rebel hosts, 
And turned their flight beyond the walls of heaven — 
The tempest even of solid light and flame, 
That, swift pursuing, urged the lingering, 
Sighed when the last of the rebellious angels 
Fell out the opened walls ; then turning back, 
Resolving to ethereal again, 



30 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Sighed heavily along the empyrean. 
Oh, then did the triumphant warriors 
Weep sorrowful ! Again the tempest sighed, 
And sighing, to God's armory returned ! 

Luc. Does the victorious King of heaven fear, 
Again will rise rebellion, that he keeps 
His armories filled with the waiting tempests 
Of latent light and flame that may again, 
Should any exigency call them forth 
To do the will of Might, burst into life, 
And with destruction quickly overwhelm 
Aspiring monarchies ? 

Uriel. He doth not fear 

That more of his blest worshippers will fall 
From their estate most happy, but 'tis known, 
That he who first incited to rebellion — 
Appollyon, premier of all motive ill, 
Who, with his rash adherents, was cast forth 
Into imprisoned darkness, hath made way 
Beyond the bounds of that restricted night, 
And may, with all his reckless votaries — 
If he should work their way out that abysm — 
Again attempt — 0, vain would be th' attempt — 
To overthrow heaven's ancient sovereignty ; 
And though he should not make such vain attempt, 
No doubt he will essay to work his wiles 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 31 

Among th' intelligences that inhabit 

These new created orbs, and chiefly this, 

Where man, Heaven's last and greatest work, abides, 

Whom to estrange from Heaven, would bring joy 

To the apostate Leader. 

Luc. Ay, and throw 

Echoes of laughter out th' abysm of wo ! 

Uriel. Yet to prevent such deprecated evil, 
The universal Sovereign hath, my seat, 
Set vigilant in the sun, from which I watch, 
Observing if the Foe attempt encroachment 
In these parts, so may providence avert 
His purposed mischief. 

Luc. Has thy wariness 

Observed aught here suspicion doth regard, 
That just at evening thou hast left thy seat 
In th' sun, and come swift hither panoplied ? 
My stay before thy coming, had espied 
None that may need thy watching, therefore grant, 
It would be better — would it not be better, 
If thou give not thy weary vigilance 
And service to unnecessary care ? 

Uriel. I had observed such, and I tell thee that 
Thy words as ill become thee as thy sheen, 
Through which I now discover that thy shape 
Hath dared appear in such a speciousness, 



32 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

As for a time did hide designing ill. 
Appollyon, false Dissembler, thou art he, 
Who, ere declining day to evening's shades 
Began to yield earth's paradise, I saw, 
With volumed darkness hanging on his way, 
Stride awkward down the mountain, out whose top 
Belched clouds of smoke and flames and liquid fires. 
Thy purpose here is to work ill . Away ! 
Lest fell destruction wait upon thy stay ! 

Luc. Ha, Uriel, lookst thou so,— ha, lookst thou so ? 
Thou knowst me then, and thou didst hither come 
Upon a sunbeam from the luminous orb, 
To spy me out, and thither mayst return ; 
And thou mayst hope, the eve being more advanced, 
That quickly down that slanting beam of light, 
Speed urge thee. 

Uriel. Foe of heaven, who art thou 

That darest by thy minatary voice, 
As well as by thy evil purpose here, 
Subject thyself to peril ? 

Luc. Thou knowst me, 

Yet knowst me not ; then know that I am he 
Who led embattled legions into conflict 
That shook the founded heavens, and did set 
Pale terror on th' array of hostile foes ; 
And knowing this, if thou dost have regard 




Now Uriel lifts aloft his flaming sword 
And Lucifer flees from impending danger. 



Page 33. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 33 

For thy own safety, let thy flight be quick. 

Uriel. Audacious Fugitive, I know that thou 
Didst lead thy legions all embattled on 
To swift discomfiture and disarray ; 
Then thou and all thy vanquished warriors, 
Through heaven's opened walls did quickly turn 
Your flight precipitant in fearful haste, 
Before descending storms of fiery hail, 
While in advance awaking meteors glanced 
In fitful mood, and glared with fitful blaze, 
To light you on, and on, into the deep, 
Where angry whirlwinds rushed to furious strife, 
And dashed the liquid, elemental fire 
On adamantine darkness that shrieked out 
The echoes of your wailing miseries, 
While lightnings fiercely flashed, and awing thunders 
Rolled ponderous along th' abyss of wo ! 

[Now Uriel lifts aloft his flaming sword. 
And Lucifer flees from impending danger — 
Just as an ostrich, when the AraVs horse 
Pursues, half runs, half flies, so on the earth, 
He leaves the impress of his cloven foot, 
And with his wings spread wide, and talons at 
Th 9 extremes, with motion quick, both ran and flew. 
2* 



34 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

In flight lie safety seeks : his purpose here 
Would work progressive ill. Night's mantle now 
Hangs over paradise, and sleep, no doubt, 
Has shut the world from man, save what through 

dreams, 
In image, is presented to his fancy. 
I will at once attend him, and present 
Such faithful reminiscence to his spirit — 
Of Heaven's command, as deeply will impress 
His waking hours ; then will I turn my flight 
Direct to heaven with all anxiety ; 
And all the powers empyreal shall learn 
Recounted venture, and the Foe's design 
Here to usurp supremacy, no doubt. [Exit. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 35 



scene ni. 

The dark Abyss. — Enter Beelzebub, Diabolos, 
Mammon, Typhon, Imp, and Baccho. 

Diab. Long is the time that Lucifer hath left 
Us here in wearisome uncertainty 
Of his return from solitary way, 
On which he dared essay the lonely waste, 
Beyond this dark and dread imprisonment. 

Beel. Though long hath been the time, if well em- 
ployed, 
It is the best assurance of success ; 
Therefore, although his absence be prolonged, 
That need not add to our uneasiness. 

Diab. Behold what fury agitates this gulf — 
Behold the dark floods surging billowy ; 
Now fiercer lightnings strike upon these walls, 
And the foundations of this concave shake ! 

Beel. This is unwonted fury, and, no doubt, 
Betokens the arrival of our chief : — 
Behold the walls of darkness open now 
To strokes of darting fire ! Lo now, he comes ! 



36 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Enter Lucifer. 

Diab. Hail, Sovereign, Chief of all these many 
powers 
That have awaited long thy welcome back ! 

Beel. Hail, Chieftain, hail ! The myriad of hosts, 
Have waited anxiously, again to greet thee. 

Luc. Hail, Prince, and all these warriors that fled 
From domination, choosing rather wo 
Than servitude in heaven! — would you know 
What hopes lie out upon our distant way ? 

Beel. Let all the vast deep be attentive now, 
To learn of every peril or success 
That hath awaited thee. No doubt some means 
For opportune revenge, hath fallen on 
Thy ventures : We would know what chances lie 
Beyond this darkness ; what discoveries 
Where works the Ancient, and where is the image 
Of the Creator, as foretold in heaven, 
If any such hath been created yet ! 

Luc. When I had passed these walls, my doubtful 
way 
Lay swift through solitudes of ancient night, 
Where the creation, at remotest verge, 
Encroached upon rude chaos, and forthwith, 
The power of law controlled that part the wild 
Which compassed me about, and voluble, 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 37 

The huge concerted mass, detached, rolled forth 
Into creation ; and in circuit wide, 
The rolling sphere pursued its steady round. 
Its vast and ponderous circumference 
Oppressed me, thus confined in central globe, 
And there my struggles long attrite, did melt 
That portion of the mass conglomerate, 
Contiguous about me, all to fire — 
To liquid fire ! Anon I blew a blast 
Of very flame, that out the earth shot far, 
Making the convex gape. Through that hiatus, 
The liquid welled, that cooled on the outside, 
And formed a mountain, through whose opened top, 
The like eruptions, oft successive poured 
Adown its slopes. Up through the crater large, 
My way proceeded, thence afar I viewed 
The broad horizon, and with peering eye 
Surveyed with care, the traveled orb around, 
And found that animation held degrees, 
Each in the special form that suited it ; 
But there was none with image like to God, 
Discovered yet, and thence I turned my way 
Back to the mountain, when I heard such sounds 
As though the whole infinity of worlds, 
Sung choruses, and all the sons of Heaven 
Shouted for joy ! 



38 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Beel. It was not long ago, 

Strange and mysterious sounds, of origin 
From far, gave intonation audible 
Above these thunders ! 

Luc. Doubtless 'twas the same* 

Upon the next day, in the evening, 2 
Not long before the night: — for day and night 
Move round the world successive as it turns 
Its sides alternate to the central orb 
That shades far light, — I trod again where shades 
Of growing arbors, gathered on my way ; 
And while my vision turned with aspect sharp, 
Through many separate ambrosial shades, 
I saw two beings walking both erect, 
Unlike all others, and discoursing oft 
In happy conversance. They seemed like gods. 
There will we go and gratify revenge 
For heaven's afflictive vengeance. 

Beel. Let us bring 

Upon him, quick destruction unawares, 
And to this end, inhale the hottest flames, 
That issue from the world's internal fires. 
And blow athwart his way destruction dire, 
And scatter all his being into nothing ! 
Thus ending the Creator's greatest work — 
The creature uncreated suddenly ! 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 6V 

Luc. Is to be ended greatest of all ills, 
While in such end, one knows not he is ended, 
And in such want of knowledge, ends all wo ? 
Had it been thus, we all would have been ended, 
When we with haste fled quickly out of heaven. 
Had we been ended, then we had escaped 
The wrath that doth afflict our beings now ; 
Yet such impassively we can endure, 
If we can bring on man a living death : 
We will not end him, but will mar him so 
That Heaven shall weep to look upon his wo. 

Beel. We will not end him, but inflict such pain 
Upon him, that revenge will be our gain. 

Luc. Not further shall aggressive arms but wiles 
More puissant, disarm the conqueror, 
And into torments of the nether deep, 
Betray the earth's God-like inhabitants. 
I Ve tried the force of arms, and now will try 
What force in deepest subtilty doth lie. 

Beel. I 've tried the force of arms and now will see 
If there be greater force in subtilty. 

Diab. The greatest force that is in arms I 've tried : 
I'll prove if more in subtilty abide. 

Typhon. I've tried the force of arms, and soon can 
tell 
If greater force in subtilty doth dwell. 



40 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Mam. I Ve tried the force of arms, and fled amain, 
Yet subtilty may turn my loss to gain. 

Imp. My arms did little, and I fain would be 
Where I could try the power of subtilty. 

Bac. We tried the force of arms and quick defeat 
Drove us forth quickly out of heaven, yet relying on 

subtile stimulant our warfare we will repeat. 

Luc. Now all ye powers, once overcome in fight, 
But not subdued, and able to confound 
Your mighty foes with dread, who are no doubt 
Susceptible of it, prepare to go 
A journey swift and far out from this deep, 
Into that world where machinations shall 
Serve our severest purpose, till alarm 
Find heaven, no doubt unconscious of what ill 
Is hatched in hell, to bear upon mankind 
Respected with heaven's vigilance so much, 
That wariness behooves us ; for the angels, 
No doubt, tend thither with oft ministrations ; 
Indeed I did encounter one of them — 
'Twas Uriel, and since but he, I thought 
It hardly worth the while to drive him thence. 
Our course will be directly to the vent 
Whence issue liquid fires ; not such as these, 
Fierce in enduring age, but such as are 
Congenial rather to our habitudes ; 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 41 

Then will we go and come, and on the earth, 
Make havoc as will suit convenience quite. 
Seize now these lightnings ! all ye mighty hosts, 
And with them, break these walls of adamant, 
And here no more will be our weary stay, 
And we will find revenge upon our way ! 

{With multiplying strokes of lightnings fierce, 
Th' Infernal hosts unite in one essay, 
Not vain; for strokes on strokes, redoubled, pierce 
The prison walls which suddenly give way, 
And let them forth ; and in complete array, 
Toward earth direct, they swift pursue their flight, 
Where they arrive just at the close of day ; 
And thicker darkness spreads far on the night, 
While round the mountain's smoking crater they 
alight. 



42 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



SCENE IV. 
A Volcano. — Enter Lucifer and Beelzebub. 

Beel. Here is so much I know so little of, 
That for inquiries, may excuses plead : 
What place was that we crossed, so very fair? 
And what or who was that that stood erect, 
Majestically there surveying all ? 

Luc. All that, respecting which thou dost inquire, 
Pertains in common to our interests — 
And ceremonial apology 
Need not precede. That place was paradise, 
And that was man, who held thy passing glance 
Of admiration — there erect, supreme 
Among those willing animals that wait 
His ruling gait and his commanding voice. 
When hitherward from the deep night of hell, 
Our way crossed that elysium, ere the day 
Had quite withdrawn for night's approaching shades, 
Those arbors of thy wonder and those fruits, 
Bright in the gleaming sun, were all for man — 






THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 43 

The arbors to protect him from the heat 
Of the meridian day ; those fruits his food 
On which his life depends continually. 
The quality of fruit which he partakes, 
Will qualify his nature. In that garden 
There is a tree of Heaven's interdiction, 
Whose fruit, if he partake, its quality 
Will bring destruction even on his being. 

Beel. 0, 1 perceive that, by thy journey here, 
Thy espionage has not been vain at all, 
Since such important secret is discovered, 
And by whatever means it matters not. 

Luc. From Adam's converse with his consort Eve, 
Which I had overheard, this I did learn, 
Which knowledge from an angel he received, 
To answer every, question of his thought, 
Thus with philosophy of Nature's law — 
If in the salient currents of the life 
Mix no extraneous or rebellious essence 
Then his pure spirit ever will remain 
In harmony with all the laws of heaven. 

Beel. In making noxious essence, Heaven did work 
To our advantage, if the interdict 
Shall be unheeded, which shall be our care. 

Luc. What Heaven lacked in doing, we shall do ; 
What we do will not be the work of Heaven ; 



44 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

And when we shall have caused the fall of man, 

Our triumph will be great, and greater far, 

If man so fallen, charge 'gainst heaven his fall ! 

Beel. As day and night alternate move around 
This rolling earth that circles far the sun, 
I think yon grey betokens morning near ; 
And will it not be well, when day shall dawn, 
That thou, or I, or both of us, should go, 
And lead him in temptation, that he eat 
The evil fruit, and therefore be destroyed ? 

Luc. Soon as the coming day begins its course, 
I will in paradise attempt man's fall ; 
But thither, I will Baccho send at once, 
To bring a portion of the evil fruit ; 
For I suspect its quality is such, 
I may observe its curious effects. 

Beel. Baccho, with the remainder of our hosts, 
Is in the central globe, which way this wide 
Hiatus leads, through which rise smoke and flames. 

Luc. Upon my summons he will quickly come. 
Ho, Baccho, let thy presence here attend. 

Enter Baccho. 

Baccho. Great Master, here I am ; what shall I do ? 
Luc. Observe yon garden with its many trees ; 
And central, there is one with branches far 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 45 

Extended, bearing very specious fruit. 
Go thither on thy momentary way, 
And of its fruit bring hither specimen, 
"With the electric speed of thy return. 

Baccho. I will ; It shall be brought here quickliest ; 
Even now I smell its goodly quality. [Exit Baccho. 

Luc. No doubt that Baccho, though inferior 
To most that fled from high dominion, will 
Be instrument effecting very much 
That through our hopes, lie in the future yet. 

Beel. Perhaps, though now I can not judge of it. 

Enter Baccho with fruit. 

Baccho. Here is the fruit : those ails be gone so 
there be ease in me, and forgetfulness of the afflic- 
tive punishments. That garden be mine ; this world 
be mine ; all the planets be mine ; all the universe 
be mine, and I be the King of it. Go to ! go to ! I can 
rend ye with thunderbolts, and tempests of flame, and 
fiery hail ! I can rend the earth ! I can blast 
creation ! 

Luc. He has partaken of the evil fruit, 
And manifests its visible effects ; 
And with it now his habitude conforms ; 
And in conformity thereof will he 
Pursue on earth, abounding influence. 



46 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Now take him into the interior globe 
Through the hiatus yawning wide near by. 

[Exit Beelzebub with Baccho. 
The orb of day is rising now, and morn, 
From orient, is crossing paradise, 
Where I shall quick repair to work man's fall. [Exit. 



SCENE V. 

Eden. — Enter Eve, gathering fruits. 

Eve. Sleep lingers on him still, and he may rest 
From yesterday's fatigue attending on 
His labor here among these fruitful trees ; 3 
For I would rather that he still repose — 
And yet I choose not to be here alone. 

Enter Adam. 

Adam. Eve, my beloved, my ever dear companion, 
Thy absence from my side hath wakened me ; 
And I have sought thee, though not long have sought, 
And found thee here. 

Eve. Yea, I am gathering fruits, 

Of which our banquet will be soon prepared, 
And we together will enjoy repast 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 47 

Of all delicious fruits — none that would harm : 
But something I have reminiscence of, 
That doth impress me sadly. 

Adam. What it is, 

I fain would know, because my happiness 
Increases or diminishes with thine : 
I apprehend that thou hast been advised 
In dreams again, as I, what danger from 
Heaven's Enemy may yet beset us here. 

Eve. Thou dost presume correctly; for last night — 
Even as the night before, concerning which 
I gave some intimation yesterday — 
While I was sleeping, dreams awaked my soul, 
Which with an angel from the realms above, 
Held converse ; and he counseled me that I 
With care avoid the interdicted fruit. 
Then I did greatly wonder what the cause 
Of so much fear that we would disobey ; 
And by inquiry learned some evil spirit — 
The chief of many legions which with him, 
For disobedience, were driven from heaven, 
And mured in depths of adamantine night — 
Had fled imprisonment, and hitherward 
Turned his designing way, and would, no doubt, 
From motives of revenge, essay to bring 
Upon us all destructive influence. 



48 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Adam. While we obey, no harm can come upon us ; 
So there need not be fear, save it be fear 
That we shall disobey by eating of 
The interdicted tree, and there is no 
Necessity for that, since here we find 
All fruits that are essential to supply 
Our wasting bodies, which to Nature's law 
Are subjects of accordance, and must yield 
To a continual change, though it will bring 
Our dissolution and return to dust, 
Of which we are composed. 

Eve. Yea, we shall die, 

Though we eat not the interdicted fruit. 

Adam. Our bodies must ; all matter organized, 
Must pass to dissolution ; all that grow — 
Yea, all that, by their circulating life, 
Continually change their particles, 
Until it brings the sure effect of death : 
So every plant, and every shrub and tree ; 
All beasts, all birds, all tribes that live in waters ; 
All that are formed of dust, to dust return : 
But Oh that other death which we would die, 
If we should eat of that forbidden tree — 
A living death ! an everlasting death ! 

Eve. I know not that I fully comprehend 
The living death, the everlasting death, 






THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 49 

Which we would find in disobedience. 

Adam. By th' evil fruit our beings would be marred, 
Nor be like the creative Prototype ; 
And low and vile would be our thoughts and deeds : 
And it would hasten dissolution too, 
Of this organic temple of the soul ; 
And when this body yields to dissolution, 
Oh ! then the soul — so far estranged from God, 
And cast into perdition, only fit 
For company with Heaven's rebellious foes — 
Would range for ever in consuming wrath, 
And never be consumed, but vainly wish 
Annihilation ! Such would even be 
The living death — the everlasting death! 
Eve ! we now enjoy terrestrial bliss, 
And naught will mar our happiness, if we 
Shall faithfully regard the interdict 
Which has been given for purpose positive, 
And not to make a trial of our will ; 
For the Omniscient hath no need to make 
Experiment, to know with how much power 
He hath ordained us ! Here we may partake 
The fruit craved by our normal appetites ; 
And hitherto, on our sufficient food, 
We have subsisted — plain and simple food 
Of all desirable variety — 






50 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

And may not of ourselves seek to partake 

That which would do us harm : Heaven is our friend. 

Heaven's enemy will be our enemy, 

And seek to bring us also into wo ! 

Eve. Heaven will, and thou wilt, be my guardian, 
So dear to me, and chary of my good ; 
Therefore accept my humble gratitude. 

Adam. 0, do not say, accept thy gratitude ! 
For rather I owe gratitude to thee, 
Whose conversance hath been my great delight. 
Heaven guard us ! — Now yon trees I will attend 
And do their pruning, while thou gatherest 
Fruits for our morning meal, to which repast, 
Upon this mossy rock, I will return, 
When thou shalt call me hither to partake. 

[Exit Adam. 

Eve. Thou mayst expect, then, to return ere long ; 
For soon the banquet will be all prepared. 

Enter Lucifer, in shape of an Orang-outang'. 4 

Luc. \_Aside.~] She is alone, and opportunity 
Now serves me : therefore let all wiles assist 
In my designs ; wiles from infernal depths, 
Show me more false than is my shape assumed ! 
Fair woman [approaching and addressing her], and 
the fairest in this world, 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 51 

Of all that's fair — ay, to the eye more pleasing 

Than all else — I have been observing thee 

Gathering with diligence these goodly fruits, 

While native grace attends thy every move ; 

And on thy brow there is capacity 

For all the knowledge that, in earth and heaven, 

Awaits an infinite intelligence : 

Though yet, methinks, thou hast not eaten of 

The fruit possessing that mysterious power 

To cause expansion intellectual, 

Even to the wide range of infinity. 

Eve. We eat of all the fruits that nourish us, 
And what is hurtful that we must not eat. 

Luc. There is a kind of fruit, of which, as yet, 
Ye have not eaten, and which would perform 
All I have said, and make ye what ye are not. 

Eve. And what we would not wish to be, perhaps : 
But where is there such fruit as thou speak' st of ? 

Luc. 'T is here. [Offers fruit of the forbidden tree. 

Eve. Oh ! 'tis the fruit that would work death, 
Which we have been commanded not to eat. 

Luc. Yea, hath God said, ye shall not eat of all 
The trees that yield mature their goodly fruits ; 
And this especially, the most ambrosial ? 

Eve. We may partake that which is wholesome food, 
But that in th' midst this garden, God hath said, 



52 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

" Ye shall not eat nor touch it, lest ye die ;" 
And what thou hast, is that pernicious fruit. 

Luc. what an interdiction ! what injustice ! 
How falsely represented is the fruit 
That would make gods of ye ! Ye shall not die ; 
For God doth know that in the very day 
Ye eat thereof, ye shall perceive the truth, 
And ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil : 
And more : by eating such continually, 
Ye may, with aspirations infinite, 
Advance to be the greatest gods in heaven ! 
I know thy nature craves ambrosial fruits, 
That nourish earthly beings into gods ; 
And what thy godlike nature craves, is good 
And wholesome ; but from what it does not crave, 
What need of strict command of abstinence ? 

Eve. Dost thou eat of it ? Thou art not a god ; 
For the deep earthly-seeming dullness of 
Thy looks, belies thy specious reasoning. 
Then eat the fruit thyself, and prove thy words : 
If I could be a god by eating of it, 
Thou couldst be something more than thou art now, 
That stridest awkwardly thy shape uncouth 
Along on devious way upon these flowers, 
Which mars their beauty much. 

Luc. Fair woman, 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 53 

My shape and manners, I am well aware, 

Become not one who would be thy adviser ; 

Yet shapes uncouth, that dully stroll about 

With awkwardness, may know a truth and tell it, 

So that a fairer and more graceful one, 

By giving heed, may gain advantages. 

'Tis true, I have partaken of this fruit, 

And by that means have made advancement great ; 

For hadst thou seen me ere I did partake, 

My ugliest shape that sneaked among these shrubs, 

Dreading the gaze of one fit for a god, 

Would have surprised thy gazing with alarm: 

Denied the power of speech — almost of thought— 

I sought for food, and only dared be seen 

By snakes, and toads, and meanest kinds of vermin, 

That fled from me with fear at the first sight ; 

And while I digged for pig-nuts, I espied — 

Turning my eyes whence came the balmy breeze, 

Filled with voluptuous smell — this kind of fruit, 

Of which I did partake immediately, 

And am not as before, but what I am ! 

Wouldst thou have oculary evidence ? 

Behold, I taste again ; see what I shall be ! 

[J2e partakes of the fruit, and immediately as- 
sumes the appearance of an angel of light. 



54 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Fair woman, wilt thou eat and be a god ? 

[He presents her the fruit ; she receives it 

Eve. fruit ambrosial, that can change to gods 
Those that partake ; thy goodness I shall know, 
And will, by thy mysterious power, be changed, 
And be like to the greatest of the gods ! [Eats. 

Luc. Great be the change that fruit will work in ye ! 
Preparing of your banquet, never more 
Avoid the fruit that will make gods of ye : 
I must depart to where the gods abide. [Exit* 

Eve. Is change so soon wrought in him by this fruit, 
That he hath gone to where the gods abide ? 
Am I not now a god ? precious fruit ! 
Thy quality doth breed divinity 
That doth inspire me. All this world is mine : 
The sun is mine ; so is the day it brings ; 
The moon is mine that smiles upon the night, 
And all the stars are mine, and all these beasts, 
Which now look fearful of me — all are mine ! 
By my persuasion, Adam shall partake 
Of this fruit also and become a god ; 
And I will bring it to him now with haste. [Exit. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 55 



SCENE VI. 
Ethereal Space. — Enter Two Angels. 

First Angel. 
Oh ! man is fallen — fallen ! it is done, 
And evil flows destructive in his veins ; 
Even from this error are his ills begun, 
And desolation in his being reigns, 
Inviting anguish and afflictive pains, 
Which he in his adversity must know ; 
And while in failing clay his spirit wanes, 
The universal song hath ceased to flow, 
And earth sends up a wail of everlasting wo. 

Second Angel. 
Heaven ! Oh, woful earth ! — Oh, fallen man ! 
What darkness hangs upon his dreary way, 
Who from the great creative edict sprang, 
And has that edict dared to disobey, 
And 'gainst Omnipotence, himself array, 
In disregard of Heaven's — of nature's law ; 
Now all the universe feels dread dismay, 



56 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

And shrinking back with sympathetic awe, 
Sees Death and Hell gape wide to glut their ravenous 

maw. 

First Angel. 

Oh ! dark and dreadful evil doth invade 

The heart of man depraved by Heaven's Foe, 

Who,from the fountain, hath insidious made 

Destructive essence through life's currents flow, 

That man might therefore naught of goodness know, 

And his chained spirit sink beneath the care, 

Of Hell's invidious might, usurping so, 

That Death, through long eternity, might there, 

Find immortality bewailing in despair ! 
Second Angel. 
Yet Heaven is merciful as Heaven is just, 
And will the fullness of that mercy share 
On earth, among the creatures of the dust, 
Formed in the image of th' Eternal there ; 
Though now despoiled the counterpart, so fair 
When all his thoughts did flow in purity 
Forth from the clear and happy fountain, where 
Now dwells contamination, and a sea 

Of desolation rolls on to eternity ! 

First Angel. 
Yea, goodness infinite will be revealed 
'Twixt hell's dark regions and the realms of light ; 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 57 

And the deep wound on earth will jet be healed, 
And all this foulest wrong give place to right, 
By intercession of supernal Might, 
"Who will through sufferance the victory gain 
O'er Death and Hell, that in eternal night 
Shall dwell together, ever to remain 
In all the agonies of everlasting pain ! [Exeunt, 



scene vn. 

A Volcano. — Enter Lucifer and Beelzebub. 

Beel. And the command that they should not par- 
take 
The fruit of such a tree, is disobeyed ? 

Luc. "Well apprehended ; and I will recount 
Adventure there. The woman, whom I found 
Alone, and gathering fruits for their repast 
At morn, I did deceive with specious lies, 
And such assurances as one would laugh 
To think of — ay, that the forbidden fruit 
Would not work death, but life, and they that eat 
Thereof, would be as gods. — Then she partook, 
And quick began, with maudlin utterance, 
To prate incessantly with phrase uncouth ; 



58 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

And I discovered, with observing care, 
She, with the fruit destructive made fast way 
To her companion, whom she quick beguiled 
With hasty words smooth with persuasiveness, 
And story of its power to change to gods, 
All who partake of it : Then he partook, 
And in his maudlin thought became a god : 
Forthwith they fell to wrangling, and the beasts, 
Affrighted, fled, or turned a scorning look, 
Nor further would acknowledge him their lord. 
There I continued lurking till the day 
Began decline adown the sloping west, 
At which time I did hear the judgment of 
Offended Heaven, against offending man ; 
For Heaven, it proved, was conversant of all, 
Since, that the universal Author's voice, 
Unwelcome now in Eden, did pronounce 
The judgment first on me as instigator — 
That on the instigator shall recoil 
Avenging punishment : Then let it come 
Whenever it may come, if thus his threat, 
He fain would think his power can execute. 
Yet should it ever be, it would be joy 
To know it is provoked by thwarting Heaven ! 
Next on the woman judgment was pronounced 
In part : That she her progeny should bear 



THE DBAMA OF EARTH. 59 

In sorrow, and that her desire should be 
To her companion, and to him be subject. 
Next, Adam listened to the consequence 
In part to him, and thus it was pronounced ; 
" Because thou hast not hearkened unto me 
But to thy wife, and eaten of the tree, 
Of which I did command thee not to eat ; 
Therefore the ground is cursed for thy sake, 
And thou henceforth shalt eat of it in sorrow, 
And thorns and thistles it shall bear to thee, 
And thou shalt eat of herbs, and in the sweat 
Of thy face sunburnt get thy bread henceforth, 

Until thy body shall return to dust ; 

For dust thou art and shalt to dust return." 

Their woes are now begun — their being marred ; 

The circulating essence of their life* 

Tainted with poison so their appetites, 

Depraved, now crave the fruit which hastens death 

Upon the body, while it mars the soul ; 

Each exercising mutual influence ; 

And through the law hereditary, shall 

Man's progeny be tainted with this death, 

From generation on to generation, 

And so their aspirations shall be fixed 

Low as the ground that bears their wayward tread. 
Beel. Ay, such will bring on earth confusion vast, 



60 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Which even is begun in paradise ; 

For looking from this mount, across that way 

I surely saw such sights, and heard such sounds, 

As would imply displeasure of the One 

Who doth create, and doth regard his creatures. 

Luc. Ay, thunders muttered in the darksome clouds 
That gathered fast upon the burthened air ; 
And lightnings broke anon, whence they, enchained, 
Awaited edict, ere on wings of fire 
They flew the fearful messengers of wrath 
And the displeasure of creation's God. 
Swift rushed the angry winds, and waters moved, 
With murmurs dismal on their burthened waves ; 
Anon the beasts, already slunk away 
From human gaze, began their farther haste 
To forests dark, nor deigned a look behind ; 
So Heaven in anger frowned on paradise, 
And angels from above on rapid wings, 
Flew thither panoplied with swords of flame, 
And shields of fire, and drove the human pair, 
Now abject, forth from Eden desolate ! 
The orient way was held by cherubim, 
And round the tree of life, a flaming sword 
Turned every way to guard its wholesome fruit. 

Beel. May not the wrath of Heaven then serve 
our wiles, 






THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 61 

And give consent vindictive to the woes, 
That we inflict upon the creature man ? 

Luc. Heaven's anger may be kindled into flame, 
To execute upon him punishment : 
All this will follow from our diligence 
Serving our enmity against th' Avenger, 
Who will, no doubt, repent that he hath made 
An image like himself, to be destroyed. 

Beel. Can we expect so much, nor fail in this ? 
It would repay us for our sufferings, 
Since we did hasten out of heaven, repulsed, 
With fury raging after us, and found 
Such shelter only as th' abysm of wo 
Afforded. 

Luc. Yet can doubts possess thy thoughts, 
That thou dost ask, " Can we expect so much, 
Nor fail in this ?" See what has now been done ; 
And on our bold emprises will success 
Eise in triumphal and majestic state ; 
For much that will eventuate in time, 
Awakes my prescience. Shall I show thee aught 
Of great events that are in future yet ? 

Beel. I would behold them. Canst thou show me 
them? 

Luc. Ay, turn thy vision yonder. What seest thou 
Through the discovered vista of hereafter, 



62 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Which brings to thy observance what shall be 
Along Time's steady movement — what seest thou? 

Beel. I see a flood of waters pouring down 
From blackest clouds ; it spreads upon the earth, 
A universal deluge, and drowning men 
Cling fast to masses wrecked with thunderbolts, 
O'er whom roll heavy surges ; and far out, 
A floating ark of huge bulk scorns the waves. 

Luc. Thou seest the work of man's repenting Maker, 
Who, fearful of our usurpation here, 
Will fling destruction on his rebel creatures ; 
And, with vexed elements of earth and air, 
Create confusion on th' external globe, 
Infixing death on his marred images, 
It grieves him so to look on, for he sees 
Our triumph there, and his afflictive loss ! 

Beel. Yet will he all destroy ? 

Luc. No : he will spare 

A few, deemed good, to people earth again, 
And think, no doubt, to end our domination : 
The vainest thought ! since all mankind will feel 
Hereditary taint from th' fruit of evil, 
And their curst appetites will crave it still. 

Beel. Great Lucifer, I clearly comprehend, 
And I am ready to work vengeful spite, 
By every means whatever it may be. 



THE DRAMA OF EABTH. 63 

Luc I know thy power and will, and I chose well 
When I appointed thee prince of the legions 
I freed from Heaven's thralldom. — Now our way 
Leads down into the chambers of the globe, 
Where waiting myriads dominion hold 
Over the elements they forge in shapes 
Of missiles for all exigency made, 
Should th' powers of heaven attempt here to dislodge us. 
We go with counsels of our further work, 
To our auxiliars vast in multitudes, 
Sufficient for our multiplying need — 
Whom we will make familiar with our cause, 
And all man's attributes, that they may know 
When to assail, and how ; and they will do 
The greater part the business we shall plan : 
Yet that requiring greater power and skill, 
Assign not to inferiority, 
But will ourselves perform. — Wake hell in earth ! 

Echo. Wake hell in earth ! 

Beel. Whence did that echo come ? 

I think it came not from the concave sky. 

Luc. It came not from the sky ; the sky can not 
Give out infernal echoes ; but it pales 
To hear the dreadful voice of Hell on earth, 
Answered by myriads of the hosts of hell 
Within it, whither now our way extends. [Exeunt. 



64 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



scene vin. 

The Same. — Enter Beelzebub. 

Beel. Come forth, Diabolos and Mammon, come, 
And Baccho ; here attend immediately ! 

Enter Diabolos, Mammon, and Baccho. 

Diab. Great Prince, thy call has brought us quickly 
here : 
What is there to be done at present time ? 

Beel. Much : Cain and Abel, Adam's sons unlike, 
Are now about to offer sacrifice 
In yonder glade. — Go, interpose your powers 
So Cain shall make a sacrifice of Abel. 

Diab. We will. 

Mam. We will. 

Bac. We will. 

Diab. We go at once, 

And that shall be accomplished speedily ! 

\ExemU 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 65 



SCENE IX. 

A Glade , where there are two Altars. — Enter Cain 
and Abel. 

Abel. Here are the altars that I have prepared, 
Which are awaiting now the sacrifice 
That we will offer to indulgent Heaven ; 
And we will place our thoughts above the world, 
And all things transitory. — Wait no more, 
My brother Cain : wilt thou now sacrifice ? 

Enter Diabolos, Mammon, and Baccho, invisible, 
with Wands. — Baccho waves his Wand over 
Cain. 

Cain. If I delay, thou needst not : thou hast brought 
The firstlings of thy flock, and thou mayst first 
Begin thy offering ; for I shall first 
Offer this liquor to my fervent thirst. 

Abel. Cain, refrain ! It is the noxious fruit 
That worketh death ! 

Cain. What if it worketh death ? 



66 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

I have partaken oft, and will again. [Drinks. 

[Mammon waves his Wand over Cain. 
What need have I to offer sacrifice 
On a consuming altar ? — will it profit ? 

Abel. Cain, my brother ! I will offer now 
My sacrifice to God, and in my prayer 
I will remember thee. 

Cain. Then offer now 

Thy sacrifice, and pray too, if thou wilt, 
But not for me ; for I can sacrifice, 
And do my praying too, when I desire. 

Abel. Cain ! beware lest God be angry with thee, 
And not accept thy sacrifice when offered. 

Cain. Presumer, what hast thou to do with that ? 
Offer thy sacrifice, and I will mine ; 
And see which will be more acceptable. 

Abel. By faith, I know my sacrifice will be 
Accepted, though I am unworthy of it. 

[They build fires upon their altars, and place 
upon them their offerings. 

Cain. The slow fire dies beneath my offering, 
While to the clouds the flame of thine ascends. 
Is not my offering as good as thine ? 
Why, then, is thine accepted, and not mine ? 
Well, I will offer now good sacrifice 
To Heaven, by making sacrifice of thee ! 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 67 

[Cain beats Abel with a club. 

Abel. What dost thou now, my brother ? my 
brother ! 
Thou knowest not thy deed, and I forgive thee : 
May Heaven forgive thee also, my brother ! 

[Abel dies. — Exeunt Mammon and Baccho. 

Diab. Ha ! it is well performed. I will remember 
His offering — a human sacrifice: 
There shall be many such upon this world ! 

[Exit DlABOLOS. 

Cain. What have I done ? Is this my brother Abel ? 
And am I Cain ? Oh ! now my soul awakes 
To the severe reality of this ! — 
Yet why may I not possibly mistake ? 
Arise, my brother Abel ! Art thou dead, 
That thou dost lie so still ? — for thy pale cheek 
Doth wear a smile upon it ! Art thou dead ? 
And Cain thy murderer ? It was not Cain ; 
For he is saddest mourner of thy death ; 
But 'twas the evil spirit that inhabits 
The frequent potions of my thirst depraved, 
That holds my soul in thralldom absolute, 
And doth beget within me hellish deeds ! 
My younger brother Abel — my brother ! 
Thou, guardian angel, didst admonish me ; 
And if I had obeyed thy admonitions, 



68 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

I had not now occasion to repent 

Of such a deed as this, for which, I fear, 

Vengeance will overtake me. Why these fears ? 

Are they the harbingers of punishment, 

Or but creations of a guilty conscience ? 

Re-enter Diabolos, and waves his Wand over 
Cain. 
No matter which. The deed is done. — Away, 
Ye tell-tale fears, that would expose my crimes, 
"With guilty habitation on my features ! 
With stern denial I will dare to meet 
The powers vindictive both in earth and heaven ! 

[A Voice from above is heard. 

Voice. Cain ! Cain ! where is thy brother ? 

Cain. I know not : 

Am I my brother's keeper ? 

Voice. What hast thou done ? 

Thy brother's blood hath now a voice that crieth 
To me from th' ground, and tells thy guilty deed, 
For which thou now art cursed from the earth, 
Which, at thy hand, received thy brother's blood. 
When thou dost till the ground, it shall not yield 
Henceforth to thee her strength : a fugitive 
And vagabond shalt thou be in the earth ! 

[Exit Diabolos. 

Cain. My punishment is more than I can bear ; 




I see a flood of waters pouring down 

From blackest clouds; it spreads upon the earth 

A universal deluge. 



Page 62. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 69 

For thou this day hast driven me from out 
The face of earth, and from thy face shall I 
Be hid ; and I shall be a fugitive 
And vagabond in th' earth ; and it shall be 
That every one that findeth me, shall slay me ! 

Yoice. Fear not ; for whosoever slayeth Cain, 
On him shall seven-fold vengeance be imposed. 

Cain. A mark is set upon me : therefore, man, 
I know, shall not be instrument of vengeance ; 
For none shall kill me. — I must go away: 
My power is failing, and I must not stay ! [ Exit, 



SCENE X. 

A Volcano. — Enter Lucifer and Beelzebub. 

Beel. The flood is past, the great flood Heaven 
did send 
To drown the world of our supremacy, 
Yet sent in vain, as coming time must prove. 
The waters are subsided, and our spies, 
Most vigilant, make swiftly here and hence, 
Their coming and their going, on dark wings 
Through the pale ether. 

Luc. It is even tiius : 



70 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Beel. One thousand and six hundred years ago, 
Two score and seventeen in the addition — 
Thou didst unveil the future to my view, 
And I beheld the earth drowned with this flood 
Which has not long been off the humid earth. 

Luc. Wouldst thou behold the future yet again, 
That thou dost speak of this ? 

Beel. I would. 

Luc. Behold ! 

With thy expectant vision turned across 
The way of Ararat into the blue, 
That draws aside, discovering to thy view, 
The proof of what our diligence shall do: — 
What there so interests thy wondering gaze ? 

Beel. Upon a mountain, just outside a city, 
I see a cross whereon a being like 
The Son of God, bows low his pallid brow : 
Now darkness hides the sun ; the earth quakes, 
And rocks are rent asunder there, and graves 
Yawn tenantless of their awakened dead : 
Now round the cross, the multitude, as though 
Disquieted with fears, go to and fro, 
Pale as the sea when startled winds disturb 
To an awakening fright its slumbering breast ; 
Even as when we, upon our journey here, 
Turned our swift course across the watery realm, 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 71 

That felt the very shadow of our flight, 

While fear impressed the air, that fled in tempests 

Along the frightened main ! 

Luc. All that thou seest 

Will come to pass : That was the Son of God, 
Who terminated the celestial war — 
In which we were almost victorious, 
When from the concave of his lifted shield, 
Then made offensive armor fronting us, 
Shot volleys of transcendent light across 
Our ranks unable to withstand its glare 
All sudden and unwonted — and pursued 
Our flying legions then, with fiery tempests, 
That sighing to his armory returned, 
When we had passed beyond heaven's opened walls ! 
Yet time will give us opportunity 
To wreak on him accumulated hate ; 
And though he knows our purpose thwarted once, 
He yet shall know he can not thwart revenge : 
Even though victory at last should be 
On the Almighty's side, and we be driven 
Again to feel no respite of our pain 
By vexing the inhabitants of earth, 
Yet, if the most his subjects be our captives, 
To writhe forever in consuming wrath, 
How dear to him will be that victory ! 



72 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

For this cause, yet Heaven's own begotten Son 
Shall suffer the severest suffering : 
As we unwilling anguish must endure, 
And feel the wrath of the Eternal One, 
So, He shall feel the burthen of our hate : 
sweet revenge ! that makes a heaven of hell ! 

Beel. sweet revenge ! that makes a heaven of hell ! 

Luc. Again the habitants of earth are few, 
And all our forces need not be in action 
Until occasion shall require. I now go down 
Among them and their revelings, and when 
The time is fit, Diabolos will come 
To do thee offices on Ararat, 
All which have been delivered to thy charge. [Exit. 

Beel. And which are being performed : And now 
I see 
By observation in the orient, 
Typhon in haste, and on his way attends 
Silence and shades, while evening comes apace ; 
And the hushed air broods with a mournful quiet 
Along the waste of death. 

Enter Typhon. 

Typh. All hail ! great Prince. 

Beel. What favor more ? Doth opportunity 
Wait on advancing timo and on our wiles ? 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 73 

Typh. I bring more tidings ; thou canst better 
judge 
What opportunities they may unfold. 

Beel. I think before they are delivered, I 
Well apprehend what thy report will show : 
Is th' vineyard fully grown which has been planted 
By Lamach's son, who, with his family, 
Came from the ark to people earth again ? 
And is its fruit mature, and juice expressed, 
Yet stale and noxious, so that we may have 5 
No more delay in tempering again, 
To suit our purposes, to deeper taint, 
The members of this family of Noah, 
Which has been saved from the prevailing flood ? 

Typh. The lusty vineyard yields its fruit mature, 
And nocent preparation of its juice 
Fermented, has been well attended to. 
When will we have the revelings which thou 
Didst promise ? for my service has been much, 
And well performed. 

Beel. It has, I am assured ; 

Recount it : all thy deeds shall have reward. 

Typh. Why, I did course along the troubled 
spume 
Of the deep waters, following the ark 
On devious way, with fluctuating winds, 



74 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Day after day, night after night, even while 

The elements were leagued against me so, 

My way was difficult along the flood ; 

And some celestial spirit, as I told thee 

A time before, did strive to thwart my course, 

Amalgamating air and fire and noise, 

With which my way was vexed with usage rough ; 

And when the ark did rest on Ararat, 

"Which I did haste to bring thee tidings of, 

Then that celestial spirit interposed, 

And raised a tempest all of fire across 

My flight, which took me from my course awry 

More than a thousand leagues, whence I did toil 

Against the speed of flame, back on my way. 

Beel. Well, Typhon, brave Typhon, thou didst 
well. 

Thy service there was much, though not to me 

More than thyself; the gain is shared alike, 

That comes by any of our separate acts 

In common cause. 

Typh. I have done other things ; 

I have been vigilant on Ararat 

Where rests the great ark empty of all life ; 

Thence swift to thee, oft tidings I did bring — 

Of Noah going with his family, 

And every animal ; all flesh, both fowl 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 75 

And cattle ; even every creeping thing, 
Out of the ark; and of the sacrifice — 
Which, on an altar, he did make to Heaven — 
Of one of every cleanly beast and fowl, 
Burnt to a smelling savor as offensive 
To me, as any could be sweet to Heaven. 

Beel. All that was well which thou didst ; all was 
well : 
Thou art a brave spirit who, bravest deeds, 
Art able to perform : Thou didst else there. 

Typh. Yes, other things I did on Ararat ; 
Beneath the rainbow of God's covenant, 
I heard the oracle he did pronounce — 
That not again for man's sake would he curse 
The ground, for the imagination of 
Man's heart is evil, even from his youth — 
Nor yet again smite any living thing ; 
And while the earth remains, seed time and harvest 
And cold, and heat, and summer and winter, 
And day, and night, should cease not : this I heard 
And brought the tidings of it. 

Beel. Yery well, 

Brave Typhon, well : we shall have revelings 
Ere long, yet something else is to be done, 
On Ararat, with essence very vile, 
So that man's heart being evil from his youth, 



76 THE DEAMA OF EARTH. 

Shall yet become most evil from his youth. 
By an enlarged inheritance of ill, 
From much addition to the taint which flows 
Pernicious through the fountain of his life. 
The time is fit ; Come forth, Diabolos, 
And Imp, and Baccho, come ! 

Enter Diabolos, Imp, and Baccho. 

Diab. Hail ! here we are, 

And at your service. 

Beel. There is business now ; 

The vineyard is mature on Ararat ; 
There do your offices: Intoxication 
Shall revel on the mountain, and the spirit 
Of man be tempered to our very wish ; 
And progeny succeeding progeny, 
Shall long experience the sure effects. 

Diab. I will attend the full accomplishment. 
0, 1 could blow a breath and split the sea, 
And it would fear for ever to unite 
Again its severed waters, holding back 
Against attractive forces all their bulk ! 
I could pluck the moon out of its orbit, 
So we could walk the night in thicker darkness, 
Without that glaring eye upon our way ! 
But such doth not behoove us now to do. [Exetmt, 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 77 



SCENE XL 

Ajiarat. — Enter No ah, from a tent. Diabolos, Ty- 
phon, Imp, and Baccho, at a distance, departing. 

Noah. why by daytime came such, heavy night 
Upon my spirit, that it sank in sleep, 
From which forgetfulness, I have awaked ? 
My senses have been drowned in poisonous draught, 
To which partaking, I had been deceived 
By Ham, my son, who will not heed advice, 
But to indulgence yields his appetite, 
That injuries upon his soul and body, 
Course through his veins. 

Enter Shem, Ham, and Japheth ! 
Ham, my son ! 
What is it thou hast done to me ? 

Ham. Nothing, 

But the good wine this vineyard doth produce, 
I gave to thee, and of thy own accord 
Thou didst partake ; naught further have I done. 
Noah. Thou art my son, and disputation now, 



78 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Need not encroach upon this interview, 

But condemnation falls upon thy acts ; 

For by thy wickedness thou hast provoked 

Heaven's judgment which is given me to pronounce 

On Canaan — name of thy posterity. 

Cursed be Canaan; a servant, he 

Of servants, shall unto his brethren be. 6 

But blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem, 

And Canaan to him shall render service. 

God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell 

In th' tents of Shem, and Canaan shall serve him. 

[Exeunt. 



scene xn. 



A Volcano. — Enter Beelzebub, meeting Diabolos, 
Typhon, Imp, and Baccho. 

Beel. Infernal spirits, is your charge performed ? 

Diab. It is, and we left Noah in his tent 
And overcome with the stale juice of grape, 
So that he knew not that he was alive ; 
And Ham has been our instrument in this, 
Who had been plied with vileness potable ; 
And his regard paternal is destroyed 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 79 

By his oft bibings ; and the crimson life 
Is tainted with the essences Of ill. 

Beel, Ha ! Thence will follow acts which we shall 
urge — 
Bickerings, jealousies, hate, strife, stratagems, 
Spoils, murders, and revenge : all these shall be 
Even as before the flood. 

Diab. I have no doubt 

That all the world would yet again be drowned, 
Because of our successful policies, 
If Heaven had not decreed it otherwise. 

Beel. What if, with fire it shall be burned to ashes, 
And be resolved to ether, and be drawn 
To other spheres, by gravitating force, 
And gathered into their circumference ? 

Diab. Where then would be the spirits that we 
torment ? 
Would their essential beings be consumed ; 
And so the acts that we delight in, end ? 

Beel. No : Spirits of the earth that then be damned, 
Will suffer wrath that burns continual, 
Which the material fires within this world 
Scarce counterfeit with all their violence. 
Those torments are within us endless fix«d, 
Where'er we be, nor aught can multiply, 
Nor aught decrease, save the delight we feel 



80 THE DKAMA OF EARTH. 

For having caused mankind to share them too. 

According to appointment, now the time 

Is fit to revel in the fiery deep. 

Come now, ye spirits, who have lately served 

My will on Ararat, effectual, 

And revel in the furnace of the world ! 

Diab. Through the hiatus large, spout liquid fires, 
And blow fierce flames ; that will be revelry. 

Typh. 'T was promised us to revel, so we will, 
In manner suitable, and that, to me, 
"Will be to forge the elemental fire, 
To lightnings, and, astride them, course the deep. 

Imp. And manner suitable to me will be 
To grasp the lightnings and entangle them 
In strife for separation, and so forth. 

[Exeunt all but Baccho. 

Bac. The meaning of that so forth must be drink- 
ing ; for there be no real revelry that drinking be not 
companion of ; and for such I am well prepared with 
the good spiritual essence in this crucible; and which 
doth elevate the spirit to the full enjoyment of rev- 
elry. It is this that I do mingle in the stale grape-juice 
for mankind, and thereby they fall into revelries, and 
fightings, and many other good mischiefs — all which 
follow so forth if so forth be really drinking. [Exit, 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 81 






SCENE XIII. 
A Forest in Judea. — Enter Lucifer and Beelzebub. 

Luc. Dost thou think so ? well, do thy will m this. 

Beel. I see the doubt that weighs upon thy answer, 
Can we not then destroy his incarnation, 
While yet in infancy ? 

Luc. Whether or not, 

Make trial : send Diabolos, who shall 
Destroy all the first born in Bethlehem 
And the surrounding regions. 

Beel. We will then 

Make sure of the Redeemer and the kingdom, 
Which may be without end, though we shall reign. 

Enter Typhon. 

Why, Typhon, dost thou tremble in thy haste ? 

Why dost thou put such agitation on ? 

Typh. Did ye not see the light : Did ye not hear 

The noise tremendous, like a trumpet sounding 

Loud in the sky, with strange and awful meaning. 

4* 



82 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Beel. We did, and know its import : Dost thou know 
Where is Diabolos ? 

Typh. Near Bethlehem, 

Attending to the murder of some footmen. 

Beel. Not now, I see ; for hither on his way 
Diabolos doth shade the eye of night. 

Enter Diabolos. 

Diab. Hail, Lucifer ! Beelzebub— all hail ! 
There now is cause for great activity. 

Beel. There ever is much cause for us to act : 
What special cause invests thee now with dread 
Or seeming fear, who art so wonted brave ? 

Diab. Did ye not see the light nor hear the voice 
More dreadful than the thunders of the deep ? 
Oh, it hath frightened me more than the terrors 
That followed us precipitant from heaven ! 

Beel. We saw the light and heard pronunciation 
Fall from the sky, much heavier than thunders ; 
But what of that — can light or noise affright thee ? 

Diab. Lucifer, when I did venture forth, 
In lunar light, to tread the way of death, 
And aid some night-assassins seeking blood, 
A blazing star, on sudden, lit the skies, 
And slow descending, eastward moved until, 
O'er Bethlehem it stood and cast a gleam 



THE DKAMA OP EARTH. 83 

Of vivid light athwart the way of night. 

Anon a voice from heaven did shake the earth ; 

And thus it fell with all its terrors down : 

" Now unto us a child is born ; to us 

A Son is given ; the government shall be 

Upon his shoulders, and his name be called 

Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, 

The everlasting Father, th' Prince of Peace." 

Will not our warfare soon be brought to close ? 

For He of whom the ancient prophets spoke 

Is come t* assume the guardianship of men. 

Fear fills me now, which anger might dispel, 

If I, with wrath, could fright the powers of Heaven, 

Nor think of accident upon my way. 

Beel. Fear not while thou art willing to perform 
A deed the stars will pale to look upon ; 
For thou wouldst intercept, as well as we, 
Encroachment on this government of ours ; 
Therefore, ere thou didst Come, we had determined, 
That thou shouldst do more acts in Bethlehem, 
According with thy honorable name, 
So worthy hitherto from worthy deeds. 

Diab. I have done very much upon the earth ; 
And will do all that may advance our rule, 

Beel. Art thou prepared to do what we propose 
If it should be to slay the dread Messiah ? 



84 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Diab. Ay, that I will, if it be in my power. 

Beel. 'T is that we had determined. 

Diab. Who shall be 

The instrument in this: It shall be done. 

Beel. Herod the king, who, jealous of his throne, 
Shall fear Messiah here will reign instead. 
Go, trouble him with this till he shall seek 
Messiah's life while yet he is an infant : 
Go, ply thy effort well. 

Diab. That will I do; 

For I did make him slay his sons and wife, 
And I will make him take Messiah's life. [Exeunt. 



SCENE XIV. 

A Room in Herod's Palace. — Enter Herod, and 
Valet bearing Wine, of which Herod partakes. 

Her. Go to my officers without delay, 
And tell them I desire their presence here. 

[Exit Valet. 
The wise men whom I sent to Bethlehem 
Have mocked me; r >" they deign not to return, 
And bring me word if they have found the child. 
By diligence of search, as I commanded : 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 85 

And it is possible my feigned design 
To worship him may be suspected false, 
That they have not returned to me again. 
Yet 'tis determined that he shall be slain, 
Though Bethlehem and all the coasts thereof 
Be deluged with a billowy flood of tears: — 
Even though the voice of weeping lamentation 
Should crack the sky, and trouble all the air 
So it would whisper sorrows o'er the world ! 

Enter Officers. 

1st Off. Thy royalty looks pale : art thou not well ? 

Her. I am quite well, although Jerusalem, 
Yea, all Judea, hath a sickness on her 
Which naught except chirurgery can cure ; 
And ye are the physicians I have chosen. 

1st Off. Why, we are not physicians, nor know we 
Of any sickness come upon the kingdom — 
Which, if we were to know, should we attempt 
The office of a surgeon, such beginning 
Might be most dangerous empiricism. 

3d Off. I am prepared to do thy utmost will, 
Though it should be to probe Jerusalem. 

Lputate the limb of Bethlehem, 
Or any other that may pain the kingdom. 

Her. I am the heart which in this kingdom beats. 



86 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

To whom, and from whom, flow the currents of life ; 

And from its sickness I am languishing : 

Therefore it is ye see that I am pale. 

A vein in Bethlehem must now be lanced ; 

Then will the life essential to my life 

Flow healthily as wont. — Now go ye forth: 

In Bethlehem, and all the coasts thereof, 

Slay every male child two years old and under ! 

1st Off. [Aside to the Officers.] Is he not mad ? 

2d Off. There is another fit of slaughter on him. 

3d Off. We must obey, or be ourselves his victims ; 
Yet conscience smites me when I smite to death. 

1st Off. Soft, I will speak with him, that we may 
know 
If his sincerity demands this deed. — 
Great King, obedience to your royalty ; 
But may I ask, what ails your kingdom, that 
Such slaughter only can recover it, 
That th' air would all be pierced with shrieks of grief? 

Her. None but physicians this can understand ; 
And thou art no physician, so thou saidst : 
Wherefore should explanations waste my breath ? 
It is decreed : therefore it shall be done ! 

1st Off. Oh, sickening remedy ! the kingdom must 
Drink the magnetic life of infant blood ; 
To heal the kingdom thus, will make me sick. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 87 

Her. Art thou a man ? What is thy liver made of, 
That thou dost even pale to think of blood ? 
Drink thou of this. Nay, start not ; 'tis not blood ! 
Drink: it will give thee spirit of a man — - 
Drink, all of ye, this fear-dispelling drink ! 

[Herod drinks, then the Officers drink, 
of the wine. 
Can ye not murder now ? can ye not slay 
The young in Bethlehem ? 

3d Off. I have killed men : 

But — to kill a child — 

Her. Drink more of this : 

Drink, all of ye ! [Herod and Officers drink. 

Can ye not kill a child ? 
1st Off. Yes, I can kill more than a hundred chil- 
dren, 
By cutting off their heads ! 

2d Off. Ho ! I can kill 

More than a thousand, dashing out their brains ! 

3d Off. And if their mothers make noise by cry- 
ing, it will be real music, nor will we relent.— Let us 
go. Blood! blood!— -infants' blood! It will please 
our King, whose officers we are ; and we are loyal ! 

[Exeunt. 



88 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



SCENE XV. 

A Wilderness in Judea. — Enter Lucifer, Beelzebub, 
Diabolos, Mammon, Typhon, Imp, and Baccho. 

Luc. From thy first intimation, I did doubt 
That in his infancy we could prevail 
Against the Son incarnate on the earth. 

Beel. But how did he escape ? The star appeared 
O'er Bethlehem, and every male child there, 
Under two years, was slain. 

Luc. Heaven's ministers, 

That hither oft come from the empyrean 
On errands from the Throne, must have forewarned 
His parents, that they fled with him beyond 
The region that was doomed to infant slaughter ; 
And, from neglected watch, he did escape 
The fate thou didst assign his infancy 
In that design, and though in its attempt 
So unsuccessful, worthy yet no less. 

Beel. Those white-winged messengers have often- 
times 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 89 

From their celestial habitation come, 
With hinderance upon our efforts here, 
And great vexation. Must we suffer it ? 
Shall we not rather wage against them war, 
And hurl upon their way hell's missive fire, 
To turn them quickly back in thither haste 
Where they may find immured security ? 

Luc. Nay, verily ; for they will not perform 
Much that we may not turn to our account, 
If we have care upon man's appetite. 

Diab. Ay, through abnormal appetite indulged, 
Our power upon the world is very great. 
We fain would have all feasting here abound, 
But never fasting, since thereby mankind 
Become less subject to our influence : 7 
For verily, for forty days and nights 
Did Moses fast ; and then, despite my power, 
He held with the Jehovah audience 
Upon Mount Sinai, and from him received 
Two tablets with the written decalogue. 

Typh. And when Elijah fasted in the desert, 
I could not exercise him with my power. 

Luc. And now, in the Judean desert, Christ 
Is fasting ; and I think the time has come, 
That, with temptation, I may break that fast — 
Which, to accomplish, thither I will go, 



90 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

And make experiment with deepest wiles. 

What if I overcome him, and traduce 

Him from the side of Heaven ? No virtue then 

Could turn against us the Kedeemer's power ! 

But if that fast I break not with the craving 

Of long-unsatiated appetite, 

Then shall my effort be to gain accord 

Of act to my desire, thereby to gain 

Upon him influence, and open thus 

Insidious way for my advancing wiles ; 

Or, failing still, advantage I will take 

Of the chief object of his mission here, 

Which is, to bear the weight of man's transgression, 

And guide his footsteps from the ways of death, 

Wherein my influence leads him to walk : 

Therefore will I make specious promises, 

That, if he worship me, I will resign 

My power on earth, that he may have all sway ; 

And I no more will tempt mankind astray ; 

And then he need not die upon the cross, 

And groan beneath the weight of agonies : 

And should I gain compliance happily, 

Since he is here exemplar for mankind, 

Then all mankind will bow and worship me : 

Such be attempt ! If no success attend, 

Then through the influence of essence vile, 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 91 

We yet will have all things to our desire ; 

For by experiments we shall enhance 

The potency of all polluting draughts. — 

I go ; and ye will respite here awhile, 

Reflecting on successes of the past, 

While thither to Messiah now I haste. [Exit Lucifer. 

Beel. Let all success await thy great attempt ! 

Bac. I rather judge that I, with food or drink 
Of good-vile quality, might overcome 
Messiah's fasting : there is mighty power 
In wines made goodly vile by mixing in 
Decoction of strong roots digged secretly. 

Bac. I have done very much in times now past. 

Beel. Thou hast, for which thou art deserving much. 

Imp. Much service I have done upon the world, 
Going on errands in the open day, 
Exposed to light, and also in the night ! 
And swiftly through the elemental air, 
When lightnings pierced it, and the furious storms 
Threatened the stationed forests, went my way. 

Mam. And much have I done also, purchasing 
Man's quintessential life with little gold — 
Making him lie for but a little gold ; 
Making him steal for but a little gold ; 
Making him kill for but a little gold ! 

Diab. Ay, thou didst much when I assisted thee, 



92 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Conjuring conscience quite inaudible, 
And in man's heart inspiring influence. 

Bac. that was easy after I had made 
Them drink the juices stale of grape and palm — 
Then thou couldst easily inspire them, for 
Their consciences went out when drink went in. 
I have done very many other things — 
With swine-fat I have vexed the crimson life, 
Especially upon the sultry days, 
Producing counterfeit of maudlin wrath ; 
Thence followed jealousies and bickerings, 
And emy, strife, and animosities : 

should I tell the half my deeds besides,' 
The tale would lengthen till the end of time ! 

Imp. 'T is said that at the end of time this world 
Is to be burned as Nineveh was burned. 
Thinking of Nineveh, I think again 
Of very many great achievements. 

Bac. Then 

Thou thinkst of my achievements, for they be 
So very many and so very great. 

Imp. I think of very many errands which 

1 did in Nineveh, when Gabriel 

And other angels often crossed my way ; 
But I avoided them and did all things 
According to direction : 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 93 

Bac. And the inhabitants of Nineveh, 
And Sodom, and Gomorrah, — which with fire 
From heaven were burned, — were of the race of Ham 
Whom I did goodly-vilely qualify ; 
Therefore, contamination and a thirst 
For nocent draughts, was their inheritance. 

Typh. Think ye what I did on the plains of Shinar, 
When men were snoring discords on the night ; — 

Imp. If there be any discords in thy tale, 
Let it be long and not have any end. 

Typh. do not break it into pieces then. 

Imp. Say on, and I will neither speak nor snore, 
Lest such a kind of melody expand 
My nostril, that thou wouldst be quickly seized 
With very rapture, and at once forget 
That thou art not above in heaven ! 

Typh. In th' plains of Shinar, when the sun had led 
The day behind the occidental steep, 
In huddled tents, forgetfulness reposed 
With men, and snoring vexed the sleepy night ; 
Then went I careful forth, and in their ears 
Whispered the greatness of enduring name ; 
And m their minds inspired essential pride, 
And fear that time would blot their memory : 
So when the morning called them, hastily 
Up they arose and rubbed their sleepy eyes, 



94 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

And, running to and fro, cried with loud voice, 
" Ho ! Let us build a city and a tower 
Whose top shall reach the heavens, and make our- 
selves 
A name, lest we be scattered o'er the earth, 
And its broad shores receive our wandering tribes." 
With brick and mortar, they began to build 
A city and a tower, whose altitude 
Should reach the heavens, to make themselves a name, 
Lest they should be divided, and abroad 
Be scattered on the face of all the earth. 
Then was the King of heaven provoked to wrath 
Who, in his anger, scattered far and wide, 
With their changed dialects the tribes of men. 

Bac. 0, that was Babel ! and the founders of 
All that confusion, were one Nimrod and 
One Asshur, who were also lineal 
In th' race of Ham, who was contaminate 
From the best good-vile liquor that I gave him : 
And they were very mighty rebels too ; 
For Nimrod hunted men — made them depart 
From th' teachings far, of Shem's posterity. 9 
I made the Shechemites so merry too, 
With goodly drink, that they conspired against 
Abimelech. I made the Ephraimites 
Drunkards, and the kings sick with drunkenness ; 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 95 

And, with the very good-vile liquor, I 

Did even turn the prophets out their way ; 

I made them err in vision and in judgment 

Stumble. In Babylon, besides, I brought 

Riot and vomiting and filthiness : 

I made the nations drunken with her wine, 

So madness and destruction did abound. 

Diab. Madness, murder, havoc, war, revenge, 
I have excited over all the earth, 
And hell rejoiceth therefore. 

Beel. Worthy, all, 

Because your deeds have vexed the world so much 
That we behold its many miseries. 
The tide of life wells from the heart of man, 
Mingled with entity malign, which shapes 
Excrescences of mental counterparts 
That give expression to our influence, 
Which works upon £he earth's inhabitants, 
Destruction. — Let us depart apace ; 
For, through the sky, illumination glows 
Empyreal along the coming way 
Of angels hitherward, and it behooves 
Not now that we surprise them with alarm. [Exeunt. 

Enter several Angels. 
1st Ang. Not to the Tempter, favor in regard 



96 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Will the Messiah yield although the wiles 
Of Lucifer should seem to show awhile 
The speciousness of fair expedience 
To be compliance with infernal will. 

2d Ang. No ; the Messiah, who is now incarnate 
Because of sin upon the world, hath come 
In order to redeem mankind from death ; 
Nor will he yield to aught Hell may propose, 
And so will Heaven be glorified in him ; 
And, faithful to our charge when Lucifer 
Shall flee from him confounde d with defeat, 
To him will we proceed and minister. 
Meanwhile we go to the Judean desert, 
And there keep distant watch ; while Christ is led 
Forth by the tempter, him will we observe 
Where'er he may depart. [Exeunt. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 97 



SCENE XVI. 

Wilderness in Judea. — Enter Christ and Lucifer 
meeting'. 

Luc. Hail, whosoe'er thou art ! Behold I not 
One who is more than man ? Art thou not He 
Of whom the prophets spake — the Son of God, 
Who, it is said, would miracles perform ? 
Command thou then that these stones be made bread ; 
And if thy mandate cause them thus to change, • 
Thou shalt have proof that thou art even He, 
And thou mayst eat thy fill, for I perceive 
That thou art hungered. 

Christ. I know thee, who thou art — the Evil One. 
And dost thou think I know not who i" am ? 
Besides, 't is written that man shall not live 
By bread alone, but he shall nourishment 
Receive from every word that cometh from 
The mouth of God. 

Luc. 'Tis truly written thus. 

Let us go forth into Jerusalem ; 



98 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

For I would learn of thee, that I may there 
Find opportunity for veriest proof 
That thou art the Messiah — Prince of Peace! 
For I am willing to make compromise, 
Which may result with favor to his mission. 
Christ. I will go there into the holy city^ 
But will not yield obedience to thee, 
Although my sufferance admits thy presence. [^Exeunt. 



scene xvn. 



Christ and Lucifer on a Pinnacle of the Temple in 
Jerusalem. 

Luc. I fain would know if thou art the Messiah : 
If thou be He, cast thyself down ; for it 
Is written, " He shall give his angels charge 
Concerning thee, and in their hands shall bear 
Thee up, lest thou, at any time, shouldst dash 
Thy foot against a stone." 

Christ. 'Tis said, " Thou shalt not tempt the Lord 
thy God." 

Luc. Is it temptation then, to seek to know, 
Of certainty, who is the Son of God 
That, on conditions, I may favor show, 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 99 

By yielding to his everlasting sway ? 

Yet thou didst intimate in thy reply, 

That thou art He. I will presume thou art, 

Since thou didst know me on my first approach : 

Even as thou saidst, I am the Evil One. 

And none I think on earth, save the Messiah, 

In my dissimulation, could perceive 

That verily I am the enemy 

That long 'gainst Heaven have striven, not in vain, 

Which thou and all celestial powers well know. 

From yonder mountain of exceeding height — 

That overlooks the kingdoms of the world, 

Which I have oft surveyed in my regard— 

We may behold their partial magnitude. 

Thither let us repair if thou wouldst know 

What I am willing to resign to thee ; 

And the conditions I will there make known. 

Christ. I will go to the summit of the mountain, 
And view the kingdoms which I must redeem ; 
And though thy presence may accompany, 
By my permission now, that thou mayst see 
How great thy ultimate discomfiture ; 
Thou needst not think to move me from my mission : 
Thy power is finite and thou canst not move 
The Rock which is the world's sole, safe foundation. 

[Exeunt, 



100 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 



SCENE XVIII. 

Christ and Lucifer on the Summit of a high Mount- 
ain — Cities in the distance. 

Luc. Look thou upon the extended country round — 
Into the east, and west, and north, and south: 
Whichever way thou turnest, kingdoms vast, 
With their great cities spotting here and there 
The hills and plains far as the eye extends, 
Fill with their glory the surrounding view. 
I reign triumphant over all of these : 
My will is the great impulse of the world ; 
For in the coursing essence of man's life — 
In all the currents leading to the soul, 
I have enhanced hereditary ill 
By ministrations of the evil fruit ; 
And Nature's efforts can not overcome 
The working mischief, nor is heavenly grace 
Sufficiency to change all human hearts, 
Till I resign all willingly to thee, 
And strive no more against the powers of heaven. 
Then think again upon thy mission here : 




Look thou upon the extended country round — 
Into the east and west, and north and south. 

Page 100. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 101 

Canst thou relieve the world of all its ill 

Unless I cease my efforts to increase it, 

Withdrawing all my power to give thee sway ? 

It will not be an easy thing to bear 

The weight of man's transgression : this would press 

The crimson life-drops through thy very pores ; 

And ere the cup be drank even to its dregs 

The language of thy deepest groan would be 

A prayer to be relieved, if possible, 

From deepest anguish of thy burthened spirit ! 

And would such prayer be heard ? No ; not in heaven, 

Nor even in hell save it be uttered now ! 

Yet 'tis not meet that thou shouldst suffer thus — 

No ; grant me one request ; and all the sway 

I hold upon the earth, I will resign, 

And never more go forth to tempt mankind ; 

And thy devoted subject man shall be. 

Now if thou wouldst all men should honor thee, 

Do this one thing — fall down and worship me. 10 

Christ. Hence — get thee, Satan : it is written thou 
Shalt worship God — Him only shalt thou serve. 

[Exit Satan, and immediately several Angels 
enter, and with the Messiah depart. 



102 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



SCENE XIX. 

Calvary. — Jesus, with a crown of thorns on his 
head, on a Cross, between two Malefactors. A 
Multitude — Officers, Soldiers, and Citizens — about 
them. Above Jestts, on the Cross, in letters of 
Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, is written the super- 
scription of his accusation — "This is Jesus, the 
King of the Jews." 

Christ. Father, 

Forgive them ; for they know not what they do ! 

Off. Since he saved others, let him save himself, 
If he be Christ — the chosen One of God. 

Sold. If, as thou saidst, thou be King of the Jews, 
Now save thyself, and then we will believe. 

1st Mal. If thou be Christ, then save thyself and us. 

2d Mal. 0, dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art 
In the same condemnation ? — we indeed 
Justly, for we receive the due reward 
For that which we have done ; but this man hath 
Done naught amiss. — My Lord, remember me 
When thou dost come into thy kimdom ! 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 103 

Christ. To-day shalt thou, with me in paradise, 

Find happiness immortal ! 

Eloi ! Eloi ! lama sabachthani ? 

[A Soldier offers him vinegar in a sponge 
on a reed. u 
Off. He calleth for Elias. Let us see 
If from the dead, to save him, he will come. 

Christ. Father, into thy hands I now commend 
My spirit. — It is finished! [Dies. 

' Twas then the temple's vail was rent in twain ; 
The sun shrunk with amazement from the sight, 
And graves yawned tenantless ; and as the main 
Is oft by startled winds awaked to fright 
And sudden paleness, so did fear alight 
Upon the multitude which, to and fro, 
Trod apprehensive through the dreadful night 
That till the ninth hour palled the very glow 
Of the diurnal course, and frightened Hellbelow ! 



END OF PART I. 



PART SECOND 



SCENE I. 
A Country in Spain. — Enter Beelzebub and Diabo 

LOS. 

Diab. Why should the voyage be prevented ? why 
Not rather hasten it ? We have discovered 
Such potency in this distilled liquid, 
I think we ought to fill the earth with it — 
Even all the western continent, where now 
The red man of the savage wilderness 
Wars on opposing tribes : give this to them, 
And havoc will increase. 

Beel. Great Lucifer 

Hath said, " Beware ! — let no ship sail that way." 

His wisdom doth direct, nor know I yet 

In full why it may be of service that 

We thwart all expedition to the West. 

Enter Typhon. 

Hast thou performed thy charge at Salamanca ? 
5* 



106 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Typh. Ay, to the full; and if thou hadst been there, 
Thou wouldst have laughed. 

Beel. Why dost thou think I would ? 

Tyfh. To hear the language of a hundred mouths, 
That gave out, in as many different tones, 
Objection to discourage all adventure 
Across the billowy and frothy sea. 
Thus from one organ issued gravest speech: — 
" It can not be ; for such opinion is 
At variance with all geography 
Of earth and sky, as taught in holy scripture." 
Another—" preposterous presumption, 
And big absurdity !— I will not listen, 
My ears do pain me so." Another said, 
With grave accordance on his emphasis : — 
" It is not possible that he should know 
More than the wise and skillful mariners 
Of many centuries.' ' Another spoke 
Objection thus : " So spherically huge— 
If it perchance be spherical at all — 
Is this great globe, that three years' sail could not 
Bring him round to th' imaginable East ; 
And 'tis a question with the wisest men, 
If that the ocean be not infinite — 
That it can not be crossed, nor lands be found 
Upon the farther side." Others asserted: — 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 107 

" If any one should sail so far awest, 

He never would be able to return : 

The world being round, his thither course would be 

All way descending ; and returning thence 

Could not be done without the strongest gale." 

And others, looking reverent and devout, 

Spoke gravely — " St. Augustine questions it." 

" He is a crafty felon and deceiver," 

Came from the lips of others ; and all agreed 

That it did not become the dignity 

And state of princes there to act upon 

The reasonings with which the mariner 

Weighed his adventurous hypothesis ; 

And the embodiment of this conclusion 

Went to the navigator in this form : — ■ 

" Because we are so occupied with wars, 

Especially the conquest of Granada, 

We can not treat upon the subject now." — 

All this is what I did at Salamanca, 

In th' convent of St. Stephen's. 

Beel. Thou didst well ; 

And it behooves us much that we beware 
That his persisting efforts shall effect 
No voyage following the days and nights 
Into the farther West. 

Enter Imp. 



108 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

News to report 
Hast thou, that thou hast come so swiftly here ? 

Imp. Perez, once the Queen's confessor, has become 
interested in behalf of the navigator, and will be his 
solicitor for the aid of the crown, for which he is now 
on his way to Santa Fe, where the sovereigns are su- 
perintending the siege of Granada's capital. 

Beel. So perseverance doth impel him yet — 
Or spirit of celestial temper rather — 
To urge the undertaking of his plan 
To track the wide and solitary waste. 
His perseverance shall by perseverance 
Be met, and obstacles beset him till 
Successive failures cause abandonment 
Of his designs to follow out the West. — 
Diabolos, thy course to Santa Fe 
Must traverse speed. Go, thwart the will of Heaven, 
If such be there to find expedient 
Against the wiles with which we interrupt 
Celestial influence : go and inspire 
Effective doubts, and such misgivings, that 
The mariner shall dream of storms and wrecks, 
And agonies of yielding up the ghost 
In bottom of the sea ; and in such dreams 
Drown every one of his adventurous thoughts. 

[Exeunt. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 109 



SCENE II. 

Ethereal Space. — Enter Uriel, Ithuriel, and other 
Angels. 

Uriel. The voice of Perez shall, at Santa Fe, 
Move sovereign audience, nor shall the powers 
That move in plagues and punishment, again 
Invade the council — there to disapprove, 
With feigned objection and assumptive fault, 
The course across the broad sea, which shall reach 
The other hemisphere. 

Ith. That is our charge, 

Which shall be done ; ay, we will guard the space 
Of the solicitation in behalf 
Of him who fain would gather to his aid 
Sufficiency to course the Western way 
Across the wide* unfathomable wave 
That marges on the isolated shore, 
Where yet shall congregate from all the globo 
People to form a nation powerful 
To break the manacles of ages dark, 



110 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

And send its virtuous influence afar 
Through every way of earth's inhabitation. 

Uriel. How soon, Ithuriel, may we see this 
In full accomplishment ? 

Ith. Six centuries 

Shall be the struggle hard 'gainst wrong and darkness, 
And 'gainst the cause of all — the evil fruit, 
Before the nations shall behold in full 
The power and glory of a nation's virtue ! 
But let us hasten forth to Santa Fe, 
Whence, from our presence at the consultation, 
The powers of hell shall fearful shrink away, 
Or thence be driven by flaming armaments, 
Who would not dare again attempt to prove 
Armipotence celestial ! [Exeunt. 



SCENE in. 

A Forest. — Enter Beelzebub <zwg?Diabolos, meeting. 

Beel. What gratifying news canst thou report 
From Santa Fe ? — again the mariner 
No doubt has been refused the aid he seeks 
To undertake the voyage. Tell me what 
Reply to his solicitation made 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. Ill 

The Queen and sovereigns, that I may prepare 
For risible expression, as thou dost 
No doubt expect to move me. 

Diab. If thou wouldst 

Distend thyself with laughter, it would be well 
That thou begin at once, that thou dilate 
With full rejoicing ; for when I shall tell 
My great mishaps, thou wilt collapse again. 

Beel. I know thy very meaning : thou hast not 
Succeeded, then, with what at Salamanca 
Was well effected ; and I wonder why. 

Diab. Into the Hispan court at Santa Fe 
I gained not entrance ; for a vasty force 
Of thronged celestials armed with flame and light 
That made my vision shrink, compelled me back : 
Nor could I put on terrors to disperse 
Array so formidable, nor affright 
With noise, though I sent lightnings forth in shapes 
Of hostile armor from the dreadful deep, 
And shrieked back on their fast-pursuing course 
All clamorous uproar ! 

Beel. This betokens much ; 

And more significant the cause appears 
That so provokes supernal opposition. 

Diab. Let us impel them back — and gather now 
Our forces from the world and from the deep, 



112 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

And fury wage against th' empyreal hosts, 
And turn their course swift upward whence they came: 
Then will I make, with violent discharge, 
Vesuvius shoot at heaven, and fiery danger 
Threaten the sky. 

Beel. No ; brave Diabolos, 

We have gained naught in battle absolute 
Against celestial hosts : then let us rather 
Work on with wiles, wherein is greater strength, 
Which we have proved by long experiment. 
Whatever may be done at Santa Fe, 
No vessel yet is ready for the voyage : 
And now surveillance we will keep at ports, 
Awaiting there the opportunity 
For sudden interruption. 

Diab. Be it so : 

I shall rend top-sails, and twist to fragments 
The joined masts, and strangle the vessels all 
Beneath the mountain-wave ! 

Beel. That may be done 

If it be well, to know which, wisdom waits 
Our consultation. — Lucifer doth know, 
And will advise with reaching sapience 
What is expedient : the way is best 
Which he proposes ; therefore give all heed 
When counsel opportune from him I gain. [Exeunt. 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 113 



SCENE IV. 

A Country in Spain. — Enter Lucifer. 

Luc. How shall my fortunes mount— how thrive 
Upon the drooping world hell's machinations ! 
My purpose moves upon experiment ; 
For, from the fruits of th' earth is death distilled 12 
In fiercer and more potent quality, 
That makes destruction swifter, and its tide 
Shall bury nations in its deepening woes ; 
Nor can the currents of Kedemption flow 
Into the depth of hell, though the Messiah 
Himself did suffer agonies — died ? 
What if his incarnation hath availed 
Naught ? This distilled essence shall enhance 
All woes ! This is the liquid fire of hell ! 
And on its swift and burning flood shall move 
Strife, hate? and death — determinate destruction — 
Ay, these shall swifter throng the wide-ope'd gates 
Of th' endless and immitigable deep. 
Of this, as if 'twere nectar, shall the nations 



114 THE DRAMA GF EARTH, 

Largely imbibe, so sweet the taste of death 
Shall be to their empiric appetites : 
Then they shall drink, and loud shall be their shouts 
" This is the universal panacea, 
The emanation of divinity." 13 
Anon the furious deep shall echo forth 
Laughter upon the groanings of despair ; 
And while the earth shall stand, this liquid death 
Shall make the soul of man all desolate. 
The intellectual spirit shall be bound ; 
And Revelry shall laugh at consequence, 
And hush the very voice that would assail 
The cause of hell's enlarged prosperity ! 
Yet sad presentiment abides with me — 
That on the western world will virtue spring 
To curb and overthrow in Christendom 
And all the earth, the sway which I shall hold 
By th' spirit of the still ; I must prevent 
Adventure thither ; for an expedition 
In meditation is even now conceived, 
To track the sea, and on its distant bounds 
Find empire : To prevent this I have given 
Beelzebub strict charge, nor know I yet 
What probabilities await his office. 
Enter Beelzebub. 
Beel. Hail, Lucifer ! 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 115 

Luc. Beelzebub, all hail ! Is there more cheer ? 
Hast thou with thy so potent influence, 
Thwarted the voyage that across the tide 
Was held in contemplation — is it yet 
Abandoned ? 

Beel. No : three caravels from Palos, 

While now the sun doth his diurnal course 
Wheel down the Occident, with spreading sails 
Move thitherward, and must ere long find out 
The world that lies at west. 

Luc. Thou art prepared 

To thwart their course with interruption dire. 

Beel. By thy advising m jans : though at thy charge 
I have in vain used effort to prevent 
The voyage which is undertaken now 
In spite of all: Thinkst thou 'tis possible 
That we its consummation yet may thwart ? 

Luc. What ! can ye not to their destruction rouse 
The violence of the vexed elements, 
And split with wrathful waves the hollow crafts 
That spurn the lower depth ? Can ye not breathe 
Into the passions flames of mutiny, 
Thus causing usurpation of command ; 
That the employ vex more the troubled sea 
With the firm admiral's unwilling bulk, 
Then turn to seek the port of their departure ? 



116 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Haste thither with thy forces ; Break the vessels 
Across the waves with strokes of violent tempests ! 
Sink them and all into the lower brine, 
That their adventure perish : or raise mutiny- 
To cast the admiral into the foam : — 
So much he likes adventure, let him there 
Explore the oozy bottom of the deep ; 
Nor will he open then across the flood, 
A way upon the terrene Occident. 

Beel. It shall be done : I will amaze with danger 
The caravels at sea. I will inhabit 
The corposant ; and from the deck and yard-arms, 
And the mast-heads, I will observe the spirits 
At my command, what way they shall affect 
The mariners, to make them do what tempests, 
By insubordination, may, perchance, 
Fail to effect. 

Luc. Attend it well ; for on 

Efficient action there depends our state 
In most important measure. [Exeunt. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 117 



SCENE V. 
Ireland. — Enter Typhon, Imp, and Baccho. 

Bac. This distilled essence is the much better- 
viler liquor. 

Imp. What name shall we give it ? It should have 
exceedingly good name. 

Typh. Oh, such name as will give the pretension of 
its opposite qualities — such as lengthen the life of 
the drinker, and make him feel strong when he is 
weak, and have spirits when he is dispirited for lack 
of spirits! 

Imp. Then we will call it rope. 

Typh. Why, rope ? Can a rope give spirit, 
make a man strong, or extend his life. 

Imp. Yea, it can do all that. 

Typh. By what strange appliance can it be shown 
to have such qualities ? 

Imp. No strange appliance : Eefractory youth dance 
spiritedly by the application of rope; therefore it gives 
spirit. This liquor makes one man cut another to 



118 THE .DRAMA OF EARTH. 

pieces, that he be hanged for it : then rope extends 
his life into the other world so quickly that he has only 
time to give a few kicks and struggles, and all is over. 
And when a man's life, by means of a rope, is taken 
from him, he becomes strong, and stronger, and 
strongest, like any decaying carcass. 

Typh. I grant it so ; yet we must not give this 
liquor such name as will remind one of spirit resolved 
painfully, or of being suspended till life be suspended, 
or of the strong odor of his returning clay, for it 
might cause him to pale and his hand to quiver when he 
lifts the chalice to his lips. 

Imp. What name then should we give it ? 

Typh. Why, it should be known to men by such 
name as will sweeten their bibing propensities ; we 
will call it usquebaugh, aqua vitae, and other terms 
that denote good qualities. 

Bac. The water of life, aqua vitae: that be a 
very good" name ; for it be verily the quintessence of 
my being : it be the entity of my quiddity. 

Imp. It be a good name for — 

While it hurries a man through life 
He thinks it gives him new life. 

Typh. Lies are ever most excellent currency. I 
have told the great doctors that it is the panacea sent 
from heaven for the physical renovation of mankind. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 119 

Really it shall become so common in future time by 
Baccho's influence — 

Bach. Ay, by my influence. * 

Typh. — that every man may prescribe it for him- 
self and friends from palatial instigation, and the in- 
fluence of conventionality. This liquor shall be com- 
mon in Christendom, and the Christians shall carry 
it among the heathens;— so said the great, wise Luci- 
fer, and the great, wise Beelzebub. 14 

Bach. Ay, by my influence. 

Imp. Why then do they make efforts to prevent the 
discovery of the western land across the wide sea? — 
for by voyages thither this better-viler liquor may bo 
carried to the wild red man of the wild, so he may 
have full share of the vital-destroying essence. 

Typh. I know not why, unless it be from suspicion 
that on the western world may arise influences more 
powerful than any yet, to oppose the good-vile liquors 1 . 5 
Yet, we will know all hereafter. The wisdom of 
Lucifer directs. 

Enter Diabolos. 

Diab. Why waiting here ? The ships are flying 
west. 
Beelzebub demands your presence quick ; 
So take your course with me to use vast power 
To intercept the voyage on its way. [Exeunt. 



120 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



SCENE VI. 
On a Ship at Sea. — Enter Boatswain and Sailors. 

1st Sail. We be very rats to feed the grimalkin, 
whose use of life is but to eat us ; or what do we here ? 
The admiral will hazard our lives that he may hope 
to be a great lord : if we be not rats then we have 
sailed far enough in this direction. 

2d Sail. Ay, we have : let us throw him into the 
sea and satisfy him with wide dominion; he shall 
have a surfeit on 't, then we will turn the course of 
our vessels landward, and on our return say that our 
good admiral fell overboard. 

3d Sail. Ay, let us throw him into the sea and re- 
turn to port again — let us throw him into the sea. 

1st Sail. Return ? Why, we shall never return ; 
for in these seas we will never have a breeze to carry 
us back. 

2d Sail. Here comes the admiral. He shall have 
drink enough in his last hour. 

Enter Columbus. 
1st Sail. Where 's the land ? Where 's the land ? 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 121 

2d Sail. The land — the land : show us the land : 
we care not for signs ; let us see the land : we will go 
no farther. 

Col. Nay, be patient ; remember the rewards. 

1st Sail. The rewards be only promises, and such 
can neither be touched nor tasted, nor smelt ; what 
then be they good for? and our lives be as little 
worth for the chances of losing : what will we do 
with promises when we lie drowned ? They will not 
be in our possession, no ; nor in anticipation either. 

2d Sail. There is land where we embarked: we 
will go thither; and when we become fools again, we 
will hunt the sea for vagaries. 

Col. Nay; but remember, my brave mariners — 

Ye who have noted all these signs of land — 

What glory shall be yours on your return, 

If but a few days more we keep our course 

To disembark upon the fairest clime 

Beneath revealing day : a few days more 

Will bring us to the Indies ; and returning, 

Joy will accompany ; and would ye rather 

Cut short the full accomplishment of all 

That hath invited us so far on sea, 

And risk returning dangers but to hear 

The hissing scorn of every gondolier ? 

Boat. 'T is yet a few days more ; a few days more 
6 



122 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

And then land not discovered, shall it be 
Again, a few days more ? What do we care 
For crabs, or weeds, or river fowls, or doves ? 
They are not land ; — we can not disembark 
On such vague signs ; and yet a few days more ! 
Well, be it so ; what then ? Shall we return ? 

Col. After three days, if then we find not land, 
We will return. 

Boat. Cheerily, brave mariners, 

All to your posts ; for only three days more 
We go in this direction. [Exeunt. 



SCENE VII. 
A Forest. — Enter Lucifer and Beelzebub. 

Luc. I like it not : I rather would it were 
That mischief on the main had served our purpose. 

Beel. Great were my efforts, yet I could not give 
Direction to the dangers of the sea 
That they should take possession of the fleet, 
And with its course deal with such violence 
As to prevent the far discovery. 
I went before, and in the air hung terrors 
That paled the mariners : anon I roared 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 123 

Dismal monotony along the deep ; 

And on their course direct I did resolve 

All into flame, and plunge into the sea, 

That shuddered with alarmed surprise : above, 

In circumambient air, my forces stood, 

And swift at my command wheeled down their flight 

To their appointed stations on the ships, 

Exciting discontent and deep complaints 

Among the mariners, with whom they held 

Invisible their presence. Thence arose 

Murmurs that threatened violence upon 

The admiralship. The sea stood ready 

To gulp the staid commander : following, 

The foam divided where instinctively 

The hungry monsters of the deep pursued. 

In an unconscious night, the admiral's ship 

I guided in the current treacherous, 

That it was cast upon the perilous rocks ; 

Yet all escaped, although the sea did roar 

With violent desire to swallow them. 

By the supernal powers the furious storm 

Was wrested from my grasp, or otherwise 

I would have dashed the caravels abreak 

Upon the hugest wave or rocky beach. 

So on the sea our efforts have been vain : 

I have advised thee. 



124 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Luc. The Heavens verily 

Do strive against us, and advance with care 
Upon the West all hurrying design 
There to establish, to our much regret, 
A nation from which hinderance will come 
To the fulfilling measure of our deeds. 

Beel. If there a nation shall proceed ere long, 
Why not to our advantage ? May we not 
Follow with guile, and swift pursue the course 
Of influence celestial, and resolve 
Opposing circumstance into accordance 
With our advancing power ? Then may we not 
Encourage emigration to that shore, 
Kather than hinder it, and there display 
Afar the ensigns of successful war 
Among the civil nations, that they bend 
To our full sway ; and may we not enhance 
Our power upon the red man of the wild, 
With good-vile essence ? Yet my confidence 
Is fully in thy wisdom ; and I seek 
Not to oppose, but rather know why yet 
Our rule may not advance across the sea 
With thither progress of the artful world. 

Luc. Beelzebub, thou knowest the very cause 
Whereby we rule the earth's inhabitants. 

Beel. Ay, verily, the entity of ill, 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 125 

Opposing God and Nature, from the heart 
Proceeding, courses in the crimson life, 
Administering death and fast destruction 
To Nature's call for life, and fashioning 
The mind into a rebel instrument 
Against the Agent of eternal Law ! 

Luc. Well hast thou said ! — and, Beelzebub, 
I apprehend, by some presentiment, 
There are calamities across the sea 

Awaiting us. 

I apprehend that on the Western world 

There will arise a more effectual war 

Against our power than hath assailed us yet, 

And that our rule — which we shall much enhance 

By the rebellious spirit of the still, 

Which with its fiery potency shall flame 

Infernal influence in human passions, 

And make the nations subject — will be given 

To fearful hazard there : 'tis therefore best 

To place impediment before adventure 

In every way, and meet with hinderance 

All effort that designs the settlement 

Of that vast wild by these inhabitants. 

Beel. It shall be done : I will wreck vessels, 
Or instigate the red man of that wild 
To murderous ire that shall with violence 



126 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Pursue disembarkation on their country, 
And, by extermination full, discourage 
Adventure more. 

Luc. Go ; and success await ! 

Celestial power doth follow Heaven's design, 
To guard attending interest. If thou fail, 
Then let the warfare come in which will we 
Bring to full proof the vasty power of wiles ! 

[Exeunt. 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 127 



SCENE VIII. 

The Blue Ridge, in America, A. D. 1620. — Enter 
Lucifer and Beelzebub. 

Beel. No doubt 'tis by Omnipotence designed, 
For all according semblance of events 
Approve it thus. 

Luc. From European shores 

They come in flying vessels o'er the main, 
And swell the borders of their settlements. 

Beel. My efforts to prevent this have been great : 
I have sent dangers forth upon the sea 
To cross the way of hither-sailing vessels, 
And have inspired this savage wild with fury 
And crimson carnage from distempered passions, 
That much has hindered the advancement here 
Of lingering settlement to ope this wild ; 
Yet from the Orient, to these far shores 
Come habitants. 

Luc. Ay, even as thou sayst, 

Thy efforts have availed much to retard 



128 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

The rising nation here. Continue them, 
And stay advancement by thy influence 
Over the ocean-tempests and the passions 
Of th' aboriginal inhabitants. 

Beel. My power shall there be felt, and fiery liquid 
Shall flame such spirit in the savage breast, 
As shall essay upon these colonies, 
Eepelling and exterminating power : 
And I will send a moiety of force 
To course upon the sea the wrecking tempests, 
That dangers multiply upon the way 
Of hither-sailing vessels. 

Luc. Not of all ; 

For there are some that may advantage us, 
If, on the vexed sea and this continent, 
Supernal influence should circumscribe 
Thy power, that it should want efficiency 
To fill the measure of extermination 
Entire to these intruding colonies. 

Beel. The vessels coming from the ardent clime 
Of Africa, and bringing Ethiops 
To serve the Spanish settlements upon 
The farther South, may be of the advantage 
That moves thy intimation of regard. 

Luc. Not those alone ; for there is now a vessel 
That, from the country of the Ethiop, 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 129 

Tends hitherward, and brings a score of slaves, 
To disembark upon these latitudes, 
And serve the habitants abiding here. 

Beel. Should I allow that vessel to arrive 
In safety ? 

Luc. Vex the tempests not to wrath, 

Nor sea to boister anger on the way 
That craft pursues, nor any such as bears 
The Ethiops hither ; for they may advantage 
Our full-determined sway upon the world : 
For if it shall be that upon this wild 
A civil nation rise, there shall be here 

Such systematic Ethiopian bondage, 

As will, no doubt, subserve our purposes. 
Beel. And yet I apprehend, Lucifer, 

That such would work against more than advance 

Our rule ! 

Luc. What harm dost thou suspect from this ? 
Beel. If it should be that, in despite my power, 

A nation shall arise upon this shore, 

With lumination from the Orient ; 

The harm that doth resolve, in my suspect, 

By the permission in these latitudes 

Of Ethiop slaves, is this : The habitants 

In these degrees — central between the clime 

That 'neath the Ursine constellation rolls 

6* 



130 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

/ 

Its icy circle, and the equinox 
That makes beneath the burning Zodiac 
Perpetual rotation — have come hither 
From Albion mostly ; and less credulous 
Are they of the proclaimed efficiency 
Of such indulgences and absolutions 
As metal from the nether earth may buy. 
Some have from other countries come, t' escape 
The utmost tortures of the Inquisition, 
With which from heretics do we extort 
Confessions, and inspire within their hearts 
Pale dread. 

Luc. Ay, it appears so, very much, 

In circumstance of these inhabitants. 

Beel. And if these scarcely find congenial here 
The torrid season, that they may pursue 
All needed occupations, they may not 
Make to the burning south farther advance ; 
And we may hold those sultry latitudes 
In papal bondage, and in such convenience 
Make all avail of opportunity 
To make aggressions on religious freedom 
In this contiguous clime ; and 'tis my thought 
That if the Ethiops, who with endurance 
Abide oppression of the sultry day, 
Serve these inhabitants, they may advance 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 131 

Hard on the burning zone, and there encroach 

With all religious freedom on the shores 

Of the large gulf, and on the florid land 

Of the peninsula, where now from Spain 

There are established votaries of our 

Religion, which, with torturous racks, and gibbets, 

And fire, and galleys, and dreaded armaments, 

We do defend and urge aggressively 

Against the peace of all the world ! 

Luc. Hast thou no further reason to advance 
Objectively ? 

Beel. We have established customs 

In Africa,which, in the language of 
The Christian tongue, are noted barbarous — 
The burial alive of wives and slaves, 
When, from the outward of this mundane sphere, 
The husband's spirit, from its tenement 
Left moldering, hath found th' eternal shades. 
The human sacrifices, too, to Bossum : 
Yam customs, where the bloody saturnalia 
Inspires the adoration of the Fetich — 
And shrouded there humanity with such 
Consummate darkness that it even grovels 
On the low earth ! But, from the circumstance 
Of Ethiop slavery here in Occident, 
There may proceed an influence from out 



132 THE DRAMA OF EAETH. 

This hemisphere, to end the full dominion 
Whereby we sway all Ethiopia. 
The land of Africa, strewed with the skulls 
Fallen from the hostile front of savage tribes 
Met in vindictive warfare, then might feel 
The tread of heavenly peace, and light celestial 
Dispel the darkness gathered on that clime, 
And Ethiopia look up to Heaven. 

Luc. Beelzebub, wisdom hath often served 
Thy utterance, which, with expression true, 
Hath told the very secret of our rule. 

Beel. Ay, this is th' very secret of our rule : 
With vile, destructive essences do we 
Contaminate the very blood of life, 
And thus develop, in the being man, 
The most unnatural predominance 
Of faculties, which, yielding to our sway, 
Urge the pursuit of evil, and in shade 
So deep shroud him, that he will not, nor dare, 
Seek light ! 16 

Luc. With essences of vileness, ay ; 

And by this very means man may receive 
Our doctrines : therefore it shall not avail 
The powers supernal, if the Christian world, 
By any circumstance, be instrument 
In the establishment in Africa 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 133 

Of such Christianity as doth receive, 
And cherish in its range, the evil fruit. 17 
Therefore the essence of contamination, 
Being instrument of death, we must defend 
Against all effort that the powers of heaven 
Shall make to wrest it from infernal use. 
Erst I acquainted thee of my suspect 
That on this land, now called America, 
Would opposition come, and that our sway 
With draughts of fiery and infernal liquids 
Would meet with opposition more than wont, 
For which I shall prepare ; and when the strife 
Shall come, then will I make of slavery 
Upon this continent, an instrument 
With which we may enlarge our endless sway. 

Beel. Ho, that would change the aspect very much ! 
But in what manner can this best be done ? 

Luc. Through man's depravity in consequence 
Of disobedience of primal Law, 
Some shall here use the Ethiops at service, 
With such severity, and castigate 
In anger, with such rigid chastisement, 
That many nations, heeding not the cause, 
Will raise the voice of arrogant reproach, 
Forgetting their own vileness : further, now, 
I need not intimate : the orient 



134 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

Is dark with shade depending from the flight 
Of Typhon hitherward, whom I did send 
To the subjected clime of Africa, 
With charge observant. 

Enter Typhon. 

Typh. Hail, great Chief ! 

And hail, Beelzebub — Prince of the powers 
Of th' air ; all hail ! In Ethiop-dom all 
Is well : deeds are performed to thy full wish, — 
Strifes, wars, havoc, and the imbibing of 
Intoxicating mead. 18 

Luc. Thus far, all well. 

Upon thy hither way, didst thou observe 
A vessel making passage to this shore, 
With Ethiops aboard ? 

Typh. Such I observed ; 

And on the giddy top-mast I beheld 
Mammon astride, with full directed look, 
And anxious, fixed upon this latitude 
In th' Occident : then gathered I the winds, 
And with them urged the vessel swifter on 
Its hither course, and it is now in port 
At Jamestown. 

Luc. That was well. Thy diligence 

Is thy reward. Course now the ortive way 




And on the giddy top-mast I beheld 
Mammon astride. 



Page 134. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 135 

Where thy observance shall respect our acts 
Of gaining usurpation ; go in haste ; 
And desolation, linger on thy way 
Through Albion, and Erin, and the countries 
Of the adjacent continent beyond. 

Typh. The work goes well in Erin : thither I 
Make swift my way upon the orient. [Exit Typhon. 

Luc. Let opposition come if it may come ; 
Such preparation shall I make for it 
That I shall fear it not ; for if success 
Attend the efforts here for settlement, 
I will bring hither votaries of Baccho, 19 
And Mammon in effective complement, 
And give our wiles full scope to overcome 
Opposing action. 

Beel. Hither Mammon comes 

Swift through the darkened east. 

Enter Mammon. 
Mam. Hail, Lucifer, 

Chief in the dark dominion, hail ! — all hail, 
Beelzebub, prince of the powers o' the wind ! 
It fares quite well with my affairs : a gale 
Which I controlled not, helped my vessel on 
Fast into port at Jamestown, and a score 
Of Africans I there have set on shore 



136 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

And sold them. 20 To the orient my way- 
Solicits me, where I have left my agents 
Making good disposition of vile drinks 
In great adulteration, — aqua vitse 
Beer, ale, wine, juice of barley. 

Luc. Diligence 

Serves all our purposes ; go and perform 
To satisfaction deeds thy will regards. [Exit Mam. 

Luc. Thrive all infernal schemes : supernal light 
Be shrouded from the convex of the world, 
And hell's dark shadow pall this wide domain, 
That the dismayed celestial shrink away ! 

Beel. All is at thy direction, which so well 
Brings earth to our control. — Whence comes this 

light 
That suddenly glows on this wilderness 
Brighter than day ? 

Luc. See : yonder come celestials : 

Let us away in shadows ; for, no doubt, 
They come to spy all our emprises out. [Exeunt. 

Enter Uriel and Ithuriel. 

Uriel. Thus quickly they have fled that fain would 
here 
Establish firm the monarchy of hell. 
They shun our presence save when multitudes, 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 137 

Assembled from the realm of reigning night, 
Encounter on his solitary way, 
Some lone celestial. 

In despite the schemes 
Of all heaven's adversaries, here will rise 
A nation from which error will be driven 
By light of all eternal Truth, away, 
As night is driven by the orb of day. [Exeunt. 



SCENE IX. 



A country in America. — Enter Lucifer, Beelzebub, 
and Biabolos. 

Luc. In all this region, when the late array 
Of warring armies, waged hostilities, 
Peace heavily abides. 

Beel. I fain would have 

Effected such a strife as would have caused 
Th' annihilation of these colonies. 
And yet the strife of arms has much enhanced 
Intoxication with pernicious drinks 
From the West Indies. 21 

Luc. We must bring again 

A desolating war upon this land. 



138 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Beel. Whence shall we bring forth armies ? 

Luc. From the isles 

Whence sways the sceptered Saxon. 

Beel. Albion — 

The mother-country ! Well, that may be done 
By our infernal power. I will attend it 
Even as thy wisdom shall direct. 

Luc. Bring forth 

An armament to answer an array 
Against exactions we shall instigate, 
And devastate this western hemisphere 
With arms not solely, but with liquid death 
From stills that shall be soon erected here 
When such supplies lack from the orient. 
Here then shall intellectual*light grow dim 
And dark ; and night shall pall these habitants 
Henceforth, so they shall not be instrument 
Subservient to the celestial powers, 
By influence against the liquors vile 
Which make the world so subject to our rule. 
War, havoc, let it be ; and night eternal 
Shut out the light of heaven ! 

Beel. It shall be so. 

Diabolos, thou hearest the decree, 
Which shall be answered by our ministry. 

Diab. War, havoc, it will be ; and ruin's plagues 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 139 

Ride on the rushing violence of flame 
By sulphurous discharge from calibres 
Of massive metals. Forth from Albion 
Armies shall come, and desolation come. 

Luc. Go, and beware of the celestials, that 
Their interference may not intercept, 
And gain advantages from our intents. [Exeunt* 



SCENE X. 
Ireland. — Enter Imp, and Baccho. 

Bac. This real whisky — this good aqua-vitae, is 
equal to the West India rum made of the cane juice, 
which we had in the wars 'twixt the Anglicans and 
Franciscans in America, across the waters. 0, the 
occasion was joyful ; for the liquor caused more de- 
struction than the sulphurous explosions or the pointed 
metal! My revelings there have oftentimes been 
great; yet, this country bounded by the waters, is the 
favorite country for me to revel in : I wish it to ex- 
tend over the whole ball ; such addition would in- 
crease my revelry. 

Imp. Once in the deep I heard it said that wishes 
do no service. 



140 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

Bac. I wish them to do service. 

Imp. And wish in vain. Art thou not satisfied with 
the good liquors and drinking customs of the nations ? 

Bac. Not in toto ; for though the propensities of 
the nations for the good-vile drink be great, yet if all 
other nations were to abound in bibing customs 
equally with this one, upon this big island, it would 
be satisfaction to me in fuller measure. Imp, see ; 
see in all directions on this island. Those vapors be 
not fogs from the marshes nor the wide waters, but 
they be fumes from the stills that mantle this country 
with the pall of hell, and make it congenial for us. 
0, this good aqua-vitae ; the better-viler liquor for 
maudlin satiety ; how it smells to my nostril ! This 
is better than the curmi or the mil-fion. 22 All Albion 
now turns up the nose with favor to snuff the good 
smell of this good aqua-vitae. 

Imp. The people of Albion be also a nation of 
drunkards i 23 medicated beer, ale, and aqua-vitae, 
work the perdition of them. 

Bac. Ay, beer, ale, and good aqua-vitae in better 
degree. 

Enter Typhon. 

Typh. How, Baccho, with the good, strong liquors 
does it fare with thee on this bounded island ? 

Bac. 0, well, well : my revelries be affected with 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 141 

strong favor. Thy swift way, coursing oft this isl- 
and, and Albion across the channel, and the many 
countries of the continents, no doubt hath led thee to 
behold differences. Seest thou not my greater pros- 
perity on this island ? Didst thou not come through 
vapors contiguous here ? Typhon, look about thee 
— see the smoke of the stills rising toward heaven ! 
Will it not smoke out all celestial influence on this 
island ? 

Typh. It may ; and if it do not hide the sun that 
continual darkness cover the land, the vile liquors 
that bubble over the fires will darken the intellect of 
man and make in his soul a perpetual night ! I have 
important message ; — across the wide waters impor- 
tant measures command attention : War follows 
again in America. 

Bac. More wars, more wars in America? Ho, 
that news affects me happily ! The last war 'twixt 
the Anglicans and Franciscans did enhance my revel- 
ry there. I will be quick among the armies. Whence 
be the armies ? 

Typh. From Albion to put down rebellion of the 
colonies against exactions instigated by the premiers 
of the infernals, to make havoc there and establish 
stills over the whole country by cutting off foreign 
supplies of the burning juices. 



142 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

Bac. From Albion ? Ho, the beer-drinkers, the 
ale-drinkers, and the aqua-vitae drinkers, will get 
satiety in the wars ! Thither I go. 

Imp. It will please me to see the stills smoke in 
America. [Exeunt. 



SCENE XI. 



Alleghany Mountains in Pennsylvania — Distille- 
ries in the distance. — Enter Lucifer. 

Luc. Now prosper the infernals ! Here the sway 
Of wily influence is supernal dread : 
War! havoc! desolation! not alone 
By fierce conflicting arms, but the more fierce, 
Relentless, fiery, and infernal liquids ! 
Yet I perceive that yon distilleries 
Lack now the wonted volumes of their fumes, 
And what the cause of it I soon shall learn ; 
For on his airy way, Beelzebub 
Comes hither darkening the fiery course 
Of the paled sun that shrinks with wonted fear 
To look upon his flight. 

Enter Beelzebub. 
What further observation ? 

Beel. Havoc sways 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 143 

Imperial ; but some celestials here 
Do work against us. By their influence, 
The legislative power of Pennsylvania 
Prohibits further distillation of 
All grains. 

Luc. And no content in the excise 

On liquors to raise revenues thereby? 

Beel. So little of regard that clamorous 
The people are, against the distillation 
Of grains cibarious because, indeed, 
There are disturbers that alarm themselves 
Lest that the armies suffer lack of grains ; 
Who represent still houses as a curse 
And nurseries of woes and miseries. 

Luc. Such instigation by the powers celestial, 
Must quick be counteracted or our rule 
Will here diminish. 

Beel. I will quickly forth 

With powers at my command, and clamors raise 
'Gainst such oppression and such usurpation 
Of liberties and rights, that quick repeal 
Will come to these restrictions : then again 
Distilleries will smoke, and laughter echo 
From the infernal deep ! 

Luc. And ever may 

Complete success attend upon thy way. [Exeunt. 



144 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



SCENE XII. 

A country in Pennsylvania. — Enter Typhon, Mam- 
mon, Imp, and Baccho. 

Mam. Oh, there be very plagues within me now 
That need much remedies ! If I could see 
The smoke ascending from the many stills, 
All would go well again ; for then would sight 
Of gold dispel these troubles. 

Typh. So it is, 

That when we prosper, deeming not that harm 
May ever come, it comes all suddenly ; 
And therefore are we startled with surprise. 

Imp. If I had been sent to the legislature to exer- 
cise my power we would not now have cause for these 
unhappy reflections; for there would have been no 
action to interfere with the distilleries, and they 
would smoke stilL 

Bac. If any of you wish to see smoke, look here 
and see me operate on this meerschaum filled with the 
dried weed and fire set thereto ; and while I whiff 
away the fumes, ye should imagine this to be a huge 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 145 

distillery with the smoke ascending to the sky ; this I 
do ; and here is comfort by which I forget that any 
distilleries have ceased operation. See now [smokes'] 
and imagine that ye see men staggering along in 
whichever devious way their noses, rubicund with 
alcoholic circulation, lead them ; and women mourn- 
ing for lost husbands, and children piping down the 
diapason audible for food. 

Enter Beel. 

Beel. What do ye here, infernal spirits, — what ? 
Discern ye not the vantage Heaven has gained 
Through dominating legislation? See — 
The fire is all out! — no smoke ascends 
From these distilleries ! and such aggressions 
Unchecked, will militate against our rule. 
Go quickly forth and swell the loud alarm ! 
Make the inhabitants shriek out with fears 
Concerning the encroaching agency 
Against full liberty in their vocations. 
Then will repeal come quick, and smoke will rise 
All voluble from all distilleries. 

Typh. That we will do: — men shall go to and fro 
And tune their voices into rough complaints 
Till every little hill shall echo back 
According resonance, and murmurs float 
Along on the unwilling atmosphere ! [Exeunt. 



146 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



SCENE xni. 

A country in Pennsylvania. — Enter Two Citizens. 

1st Cit. What change is in the air ? 

2d Cit. It smells not as was its custom. 

1st Cit. It offends my nostrils, for since the dis- 
tilleries have been stopped there has been no smoke 
to cleanse it by attracting its vile impurities ; and I 
know not what diseases will follow, but I think grave- 
diggers will soon have employment enough. 

2d Cit. I think I smell impurities now that do 
sicken me : 1 

1st Cit. No doubt of it ; and ere long our noses 
must turn pale and lose their healthy appearance; 
for soon there will be no liquors in these parts which 
we can use to make circulation go to the extremities ; 
for this war has cut off foreign supplies of the 
strengthening liquors, and the prohibition of making 
them here, will soon work the ruin of us; for we will 
have to drink the thin water instead of toddies. 

2d Cit. And some say we will have no more Indian 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 147 

summers ; for there will be no smoke for them : really 
I think calamities be coming to the seasons also. 

1st Cit. I'd rather pay large tax. I'd rather 
England would succeed against the revolution than 
that I be deprived of liquors : If we be rebels, let us be 
rebels against the legislature which does nothing but 
acts of tyranny — all tyranny ! 

2d Cit. Let us cry for repeal, repeal. 
Enter another Citizen. 

1st Cit. [to 3d Cit.] Shall we not hate repeal 
of the laws that make us subjects of tyranny, — what 
say you ? 

3d Cit. Repeal of what laws ? 

1st Cit. Why, the laws that make us subjects of 
tyranny — subjects of tyranny ! 

3d Cit. I know of no such laws except those which 
England is trying to enforce by the power of arms. 

1st Cit. Nay : I think not of that, but the acts 
of the legislature against distilling grain, whence 
comes the good liquor which is the life of us ; for it 
makes the blood circulate to the extremities. 

3d Cit. Our armies must be fed or our liberties can 
not be achieved : Already there is lack of sufficient 
food because of the distilling of grain ; therefore it 
is well for the distilleries to have ceased operations, 
that our armies triumph rather than perish. 



148 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

2d Cit. Give me enough of the good drinks that 
help so much the blood in its course to the extremi- 
ties, and I care not which army triumphs. It is the 
good liquor that strangles the worms, and cures the 
colics, and the cramps, and the rheumatisms, and the 
gouts. In the heat of summer it cools me : in the 
cold of winter it warms me, and makes the blood 
flow to the farther end of my exposed nose even in 
the very coldest weather. 

3d Cit. *But, does it not any harm ? — does it not 
cause want and wretchedness in the land ? does it 
not evil to the immortal part of man ? 

2d Cit. 0, it makes the olfactory powers acute, 
that I do smell out wrongs ! There be no wrong so 
great as that which deprives us of drinks — such 
drinks as do make the nose red and full of healthi- 
ness, and fill up the whole body with artificial life 
when the spirits do begin to droop, and make cares 
go swift away into forgetfulness so that we know not 
that there be any cares. 

Enter another Citizen. 

4th Cit. My property is all destroyed— all de- 
stroyed by legislative tyranny ! I know not what the 
country is coming to. It will soon be ruined ; for 
the people will want supply of the good liquors. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 149 

3d Cit. The distilleries are plagues, and thereby 
our armies are brought to starvation, and the country 
blighted with miseries. 

4th Cit. Is it so ? ha ! My distillery is my prop- 
erty ; and therefore to make liquors my right ; and I 
will do it : I must live — I must live. 

3d Cit. I see no necessity for that, if thereby 
misery, disease, and death, must desolate the country. 

4th Cit. Nonsense. I will have my liberty ! I 
will have my rights ! 

1st Cit. Hurrah — hurrah for liberty ! 

2d Cit. Hurrah — hurrah! we will make liquors, 
and care not for the legislature. 

4th Cit. Good friends, we will have our rights in 
spite of everything — hurrah! 

[Exeunt all but 3d Citizen. 

3d Cit. So triumphs the vile essence of the still, 
Which makes the heart of man pursue all ill, 
And gold become a god to which he makes 
A sacrifice of his own fellow man. 
When shall the truth prevail — when shall the world 
Perceive that the beginning of all wrong 
Lies in the evil fruit which yet on earth 
Doth tempt mankind with speciousness of good 
And lead them on to everlasting death ! [Exit. 



150 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



SCENE XV. 

A Country in Pennsylvania. — Enter Lucifer and 
Beelzebub. 

Beel. Fires smoke again beneath the vital stills ; 
Restrictions are repealed that choked their freedom, 
By the so potent influence of hosts 
At my command, who shrieked along the woods, 
Mountains, and vales, against the usurpation, 
Till the infection caught the spirits of men, 
And that infection grew into a plague 
That made them clamor loud for distillation, 
Nor tax the favor of their miseries 
Sweet in their very thoughts as swayed by us, 
Yet made all woful in reality. 

Luc. Ay, it is well again in the regard 
Of these great instruments of desolation, 
Whence flow the fiery liquid and afflictions ! 

Beel. But, if this Revolution, that now wields 
Determined arms 'gainst oriental rule, 
Which at our instance grew into oppression, 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 151 

Should, by supernal aid, at last succeed 
In casting off the rule of Albion — 
Is there more probability that harm, 
By legislative power against vile drinks, 
Will be attempted on our future sway ? 

Luc. I will affirm 'tis more than probable : 
Therefore the issue of this war should leave 
These colonies in all submissiveness, 
Lest that our fortunes wane in all the West, — 
Thence over the whole globe : they may, if here 
We check not in their very embryon 
Opposing accidents, if such they be 
That would pursue our fortunes, thus to bring 
Mischance upon our ventures. — It appears 
That Heaven's design would free these colonies : 
Therefore Diabolos hath charge to bring 
Destruction on these armies all impelled 
With revolution ; therefore we assist 
The arms of Britain, and we instigate 
The native tribes in aid of Britain's arms. — 
Behold Diabolos, upon his way 
Hither, in shade depending with his flight ! 

Enter Diabolos. 

Luc. ) 

y Hail, Diabolos ! 
Beel. ) 

Diab. Hail, Lucifer, great Chief ! 



152 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Hail, Prince Beelzebub, all hail ! — The battles 
Are fierce to my desire : the sulphurous flames 
Shoot swift the metal globes that carry death 
And pale alarm into the hostile ranks, 
From which loud groans do penetrate the air, 
And crack the sky, between which and the earth, 
The smoke of war hangs palling all the dead ! 

Luc. We must not let this Eevolution triumph, 
Which seems directed by supernal aid, 
For the design appearing to my prescience : 
Therefore, with vasty force attend the way . 
Of war, and vanquish all the Occident ! [ Exeunt. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 153 



SCENE XVI. 

A Forest in Pennsylvania. — Enter Lucifer, Beel- 
zebub, and Diabolos. 

Diab. The Revolution was triumphant, ay, 
Nor yet a fault of mine : we all did see 
The vapors of the upper air on flame, 
Bearing celestials, and their course did lead 
The armies of revolt to victory. 

Luc. Nor that alone : celestial heralds coursed 
The way of nations and discoursed throughout 
Adverse opinion, whose omnipotence 
Held back aggressive arms and left the West 
Dissevered from authority, save what 
Infernals exercise ; for, what have here 
Celestial spirits to do, that we shall not 
Undo with almost momentary wiles ? 

Beel. Voices are heard occasional along 
These settlements, which give expression thus : — 
" Beware the essence that intoxicates !" 
The tax that has been placed on distillation 
Is a significant celestial vestige. 

Luo. We must with vigilance beware the ways 

7* 



154 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

Of opposition : we will overcome 
Excise, lest it should lead to other acts 
Aggressive ; therefore we will bring alarm 
To all its votaries. 

Diab. I am prepared 

For aught whatever that will aid our cause. 

Beel. Awaiting, there are myriads of spirits 
To serve our purpose, and will quick proceed 
Upon that business when it is advised 
How to pursue it best nor fail therein. 

Luc. Beelzebub, Diabolos, we will 
Determine this in council, though not here ; 
For oft our consultations have been given 
To espionage, whereby some lurking spirit, 
Descended here from the imperial heaven, 
Did early quite discover our intents, 
And swift returned to the supernal Power, 
Thereby become acquainted with them all ; 
And, in obedience to his command, 
As quick again come hither with a host 
To interrupt us. Farther in the way 
Where day proceeds, yet bearing to the south, 
There is a cave, and near its opening 24 
A narrow entrance to the thickest darkness. 
Thither let us repair, and there consult 
How the excise we best shall overcome. [Exeunt. 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 155 



SCENE XVII. 

A Forest in America. — Enter Typhon, Imp, and 
Baccho. 

Typh. How fares it with thee, Baccho ? 

Bac. Well, with the many juices to suit the many 
tastes which I confer on the people. 

Typh. Ay, really the liquors be very many, and 
many be their qualities. 

Bac. Yea, brandies of many kinds, and gins ; West 
India rum ; whisky, with which I have so much affect- 
ed the Celts ; and many other liquids, of different de- 
grees of good-evil qualities. I have great influence 
with these and the many mixtures. I have given out 
customs of times for regular partaking, besides con- 
ventionalities which may bring the liquid of bottles to 
mouths at any accident of time : also, on all occasions, 
flips, toddies, slings, and the et cetera which includes 
drams of fairly ludicrous names, summon appetites to 
the guzzling-shops of Mammon and me, established all 
over the land ; and there, on specific times also, the 
professions and clerkships dissolve a half-hour in po- 



156 THE DKAMA OF EARTH. 

table punches. I am also in partnership with Mam- 
mon as a physician : we cure all, in pretension, with 
medicated rum, under various names, such as Tinc- 
tures, Elixirs, &c. ; and, by the dispensation of cred- 
ibly salutary customs, rum and cherries protects from 
cold ; rum and peach-nuts concludes repasts to aid di- 
gestion ; rum and milk of kine is the good nutriment 
for the matron, and rum and opium makes the infant 
sleep ! 

Typh. Ay, and qualifies his taste so that, in matu- 
rity, rum and rum makes him sleep in the miry ditch. 

Bac. Ay, and soon after, in the ground ! 

Typh. I have observed these workings to our fa- 
vor ; but across the wide waters, have thy late visitings 
been effectual to the full bibulous measure of com- 
mandment ? 

Bac. Yea, yea ; across the big waters my oft way, 
like tempests, makes vessels beware impetuosity, while 
their top-masts, to and fro inquiet, bend down and 
touch the vexed brine ; and on the Emerald island and 
the many other countries whence comes the day, great 
has become my power over the erect species there in- 
habiting. m 

Imp. Not always erect ! 

Bac. No ; for I make them abject, and lie in mire 
like swine. 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 157 

Imp. Except the grunting — 

Bac. Instead of which, I bring forth vomiting. 

Imp. 0, ay — yes ! 

Bac. Think of it, and consider how much t inspire 
the sons and daughters of men, that praise be ren- 
dered to me, though not solely formal to ancient cus- 
tom of festivities where liquors be drank in honor of 
the gods. 

Imp. What gods ? None, I think, but the infernals, 
ruling the world. 

Bac. Why, I — I: those gods all be I, so honored 
in various representation. All Athens was oft drunk 
in honor of me : then lewdness did triumph over the 
sublime spiritual of the images which were not then 
more the images of God. At the Anthesteria, rewards 
incited to emulation in drunkenness, all in honor of 
me ; and Home, that big city, did me honor with fes- 
tivities which marked the progress of our kingdom : 
so said great Lucifer and great Beelzebub. I have 
been honored in the name of Bacchus, and Cotyro, 
and Comus, et cetera; and all festivities in honor of 
me, were celebrated, as ever they must be, with maud- 
lin debauchery. 

Imp. Great Bacchc, this big world doth nod to 
thee, and do thee much homage. I have oft seen 
mankind, with affection, prone in the mire in venera- 



158 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

tion to thee — which seeing, as often hath affected me 
with mirth because of it. — I was lately in the land 
of Erin and other countries of the East, and I did smile 
audibly when I beheld the great miracles performed 
there by the juices ; and those smiles — mingling with 
the snoring of noses which protruded red from the 
faces of drunkards lying in ditches, and the reso- 
nance according with children's cries for food — was 
the terrestrial music which moved me to tempestuous 
laughter. 

Typh. These things be well, Baccho. No doubt 
thou wilt ere long establish here the habits of the 
times when, across the waters, the dignitaries and 
church officers got drunk in honor of Messiah, and the 
Virgin, and the apostles, and the saints — whence fol- 
lowed riots, and broils, and conflicts, and debauche- 
ries — all which be pleasing to us, very. 

Bac. Ha ! the parson had the strongest juices then. 
I called it Theologicum, and the laymen did send for 
it, upon special occasions, for jubilees : almost such 
things even now be here : but on the Emerald island 
I am the essential god — for there, there be more ad- 
oration of me than of any other god. 

Typh. Verily, and the people there have become 
subjects of the Saxons, according to our ordination. 

Bac. They be subjects of me ! . 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 159 

Typh. Yea, and because of which, they are subject 
to the Saxons, whose rule from Albion has been re- 
jected here in America by power of arms ; yet if we 
shall completely substitute our rule here in better de- 
gree, all will be well : but there are hinderances, such 
as the excise on distillation, which may grow into ul- 
timate prohibition. This is to be overcome as soon 
as the infernal premiers, now in council, have deter- 
mined upon the method. 

Imp. Quickly now it is growing dark. 

Typh. Ay, the orb of the day, declining down the 
west, is hid behind the way of Mammon, who is now 
coming hither. He is oft vexed because of legislative 
authority in the excise, which lessens the profits of 
the distillation of grains to the auxiliar juices. 

Enter Mammon. 

Mam. I come again ; and ever on my way 
I am inspired for gain to vex the world. 

Typh. Does all meet thy desire, while to and fro, 
And up and down advantage moveth thee ? 

Mam. The works which I regard in principal, 
The making marketable essences 
For the desire of vitiated taste, 
That bring much profits from distilleries, 
Encounters hinderance in the excise 



i 



160 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

On distillation — which to overcome, 
I quick would make all means subservient, 
'Tis so obnoxious ; and why may we not 
Oppose it now with seasonable act ? 

Typh. We may not know how to oppose it best, 
Until the council, which deliberates 
In caverned darkness, have determined it. 

Mam. I would the council were at end ! Oft I 
Have hied me to the entrance of the cave 
Where they are now assembled, hoping that 
The subject which they were considering 
Be quick disposed, which greatly is my care ; 
And thus have I, that I might early know 
What course of action swift we should pursue 
'Gainst the excise : and yet my management, 
By craft and by conspirant combinations, 
Hath sometimes made it little of effect. 

Bac. Ay, so ; mine too. Excises and prohibitions, 
by my power, have greatly given way or become inef- 
fectual in past times, while I have aided thee in thy 
crafts, and thy combinations, and thy smugglings, and 
thy bribes, and thy many other demeanors. 

Typh. For which thou hast had honors. — Look 
ye all 
In the direction of the council-cave : 
Diabolos makes hither rapid way ! 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 161 

Enter Diabolos. 
I)iab. Hail, devils, hail ! 

Typh. ~ 

\. All hail, Diabolos ! 

Imp. 

Bac. 

Mam. Have the considerate, in caverned night, 
Resolved how we shall banish the excise ? 

Diab. It is determined that the officers 
Of the excise, encounter insurrection, 
Which shall be quick inspired. Forth let us go — 
Mammon, to thy regarded interest, 
And Baccho, thine, whereon is founded mine 
And great infernal power. 

Mam. I will inspire 

Anxiety for gold, so the excise 
Shall fail to be enforced because of it. 

Typh. I will inspire hate to this government, 
And opposition to its constitution, 
And make the law-excise an instrument 
Increasing disaffection : thence shall come 
The contemplated insurrection quick. 

Bac. I will inspire the people with brandy-smashes, 
and gin cock-tails, and whisky-punches, till their ru- 
bicund noses smell encroachments on their liberties 
when they go about to collect the excise. 



162 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Imp. Ay, and resistance to the officers will bring 
bludgeons into service, and tar and feathers also ; for 
I will inspire the people with such like chivalry. 

Diab. Ay, and such weapons as are used in wars — 
The bristling bayonets and shooting-arms ; 
The massive cylinders that pour forth flame 
With detonating, danger-flying death, 
If any exigency should bring such 
In requisition : I will act my part ! — 
Now let us go upon this business quick. [Exeunt. 



SCENE XVIII. 



By a Distillery in Pennsylvania. — Enter a Distiller, 
and a Farmer with a load of grain. 

Far. What's the price of corn ? 

Dis. The same that I paid you for the last load 
you brought me. 

Far. That is too little : I could have sold this 
load for more, near at home. 

Dis. That market is still open for you. 

Far. But it was a woman who wished to buy : she 
has no money, but proposed to pawn me her bedding, 
which is all rags. Her husband is now indebted to me 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 163 

for grain. He works for me, but does little ; for he 
is drunk most of the time. I sell for money — not 
for promises which are of doubtful value. Money 
brings interest : promises tax with trouble. 

Dis. I pay money, not promises ; yet if you prefer, 
I will pay you in whisky. 

Far. Whisky is a good thing. 

Dis. And therefore should command a good price. 

Far. And therefore should grain which it is made 
of. 

Dis. No; for the tax on distillation lessens the 
profits. 

Far. Curse the tax ! I am down on the tax. 
Why should there be tax on liquors ? — they are not 
so plentiful as water, and there is no tax on water. 

Dis. None ; but it is a tax on the gullet to drink 
the water instead of the smooth, oily liquors which 
slide down into the stomach of their own accord. 

Far. I know it is a tax — it is a tax on the gullet 
to drink water ; and this knowledge I have bought, 
too, with dear experience ; for I remember once to 
have drank some water, and my throat became so sore 
that I applied to a physician, who pronounced my 
disease an inflammation of the esophagus ; and his 
prescription was whisky with roots in it. He under- 
stood my case exactly; for he knew what I dared 



164 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

not tell him — that my malady was caused by the 
friction of water! There is hope that we will be 
relieved of tax on the good liquors. 

Bis. Yes, the people in convention at Pittsburgh 
have determined to resist the excise at all hazards ; 
were you there ? 

Far. No ; I was sick internally with colics and 
gripings. 

Dis. You ought to partake more freely of the 
healthy liquors. 

Far. I think I ought ; for my appetite tells me so. 

Dis. Well, I will take your grain at an advance of 
ten per cent and pay you in whisky ; for I know you 
will do all in your power to resist the excise. 

Far. Certainly I will ; for the excise makes the 
price of grain low and that of whisky high ; there- 
fore the farmers have to defray the expenses of the 
war ; and wherefore should they bear all this burden ? 

Dis. And the next thing, if we resist not the ex- 
cise, it will be increased to defray the increasing 
expenses of the government in consequence of the 
increase of crimes and pauperism. Such expenses 
should rest on the whole people, and not merely on 
those who are interested in making whisky and other 
good drinks for the good of all the people. Really, if 
such expenses be allowed to rest on the good liquor- 



THE DBAMA OP EARTH. 165 

business, it would be a false intimation that this 
honorable business is responsible for the stealings, 
and the bruising of noses, and the gouging of eyes, 
and the cutting off of weasands. I say, let us down 
with the excise. 

Far. We will do that : we will tar and feather the 
officers when they go about to collect it. 

Dis. Ay, I have prepared for that : I have a quan- 
tity of tar and feathers ready in the distillery ; and by 
arrangement, citizens near by are ready to assist me 
at a moment's notice. Yonder comes an excise officer 
now, and if he should say a word about tax we will 
have sport. 

Far. We will, most assuredly; and we will see 
such a metamorphosis of an officer into one of a 
singular species of the feathered race, that he will 
not know his own identity till he try his appetite and 
find that he still loves whisky. 

Enter an Officer. 

Off. Good morning, gentlemen. 

V Good morning, sir. 

Off. Mr. D. — I have come to collect the excise : 
you own this distillery, I believe. 

Dis. Then you are a believer, and will therefore be 
saved. 



166 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Off. Of course I am to understand that you intend 
to save me the trouble of proceeding to extreme 
measures to collect the excise, which method of be- 
ing saved, I am sorry to say, I am not favored with on 
all occasions of this kind. 

Dis. Of course I intend to save you that trouble. 

Off. Will you acquaint me, if you please, with the 
amount of the proceeds of your distillery for the year 
ending in the month of — 

Dis. No ; I will see you damned in h — 1 first. 

Off. No ; not if I am to be saved, which will be 
in a place so far removed from the place you speak 
of, that you could not see me at all. 

Dis. Ho, citizens ! ho ! come and assist in waiting 
on this officer. 

Enter several Citizens. 
This man wants tax for making whisky. Let us de- 
monstrate our wrongs. 

1st Cit. Tar and feather him ! 

2d Cit. Tar and feather him ! 

Far. Hang him ! 

Dis. Tar and feather him ! Make a goose of the 
goose ! Let him appear in proper habit ! Ho, boy, 
bring that pot of tar and that bag of feathers. 

Off. Nay, I beseech you, consider what you intend 
doing. 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 167 

Dis. That we have, and made ample preparations 
for it. 

Enter a Servant from the distillery, bringing a pot of 
tar and a bag of feathers. Citizens let go the 
Officer, and surround him. 

Off. Hear me while I explain my position. 

Dis. It needs no explanation, — we know your po- 
sition. We will change it for you : be quiet and sub- 
mit, and be thankful that by so doing you may save 
your neck. 

[ They partly divest himjxnd smear him with tar, 

1st Cit. That 's the way to serve the excise offi- 
cers. 

2d Cit. Thou shouldst have been wary of these 
times that so soil thy office. 

Far. Man, what a friend thou hast in tar ; for it 
sticketh to thee closer than a brother in time of 
difficulty. 

Dis. While he has a friend in tar, we have an 
enemy in tar ; for the excise officer is our enemy, and 
here is one in tar ! ha, ha ! put on the feathers, boy. 
[TJie Servant feathers the Officer. 
Now thy habit becomes thee, for it is the habit of a 
goose. Will a goose collect tax ? No, not of me. 
Or if thou thinkst thyself not a goose, try the liquor 



168 THE DRAMA OF EAETH. 

in this flask that thou mayst know surely thou art not, 
by thy appetite : — Nay, do not refuse a good gift ; it 
is good liquor, and there be no devils in it ; for the 
excise was paid on it long ago. 

Far. Nay, be not dispirited when there is no lack 
of spirits : drink the liquor on which the excise has 
been paid, then you shall be high in feather. 

Dis. See, he refuses like a goose, which he really 
is ; for his appetite is not that of a man. Take him 
to the pond ! Take him to the pond ! That is the 
place for geese. 

1st Cit. To the pond — to the pond! Take him 
to the pond ! 

Far. Away with him ! [Exeunt. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 169 



SCENE XIX. 

A road in Pennsylvania. — Enter a body of armed 
Citizens, with a Leader. 

Lead. We have in time assembled to beset 
The marshal and his office, which we hate 
While he doth use it 'gainst the insurrection. 
This way he is to come : 'tis almost time 
He is to pass : Look yonder now, he comes ! 
And if we do not make the sunshine through him, 
We will so frighten him that he shall think 
His days are fully numbered. Ha ! my men, 
Now keep your mouths wet and your powder dry, 
Yet careful of your lurking. 

1st Cit. So we will, 

When we have drawn the corks out of our flasks, 
And drank another turn of goodest spirit. 

2d Cit. there is life in liquor ; nothing else. 
Now I could shoot and hit the orbed moon 
If it were night. 

3d Cit. The marshal is most here ; 

And I shall make a bullet graze his ear. 

8 



170 THE DEAMA OP EARTH. 

4th Cit. And I will make one graze his nose, and 
so, 
When he hears danger he will smell it too. 
5th Cit. My mouth is wet, besides, my powder's 
dry; 
And I will make a bullet graze his eye, 
And danger he will know is very nigh 
When heard, and smelt, and seen ; so he will fly. 
Careful, he comes 

Enter the Marshal on horseback. 

Lead. Now blaze away my men, 

\Tlie Men fire, and the Marshal, urging his horse 
to speed, makes flight crying murder. 
His office now I think he will forget. 
He surely will, if in him there remains 
Enough of wit to save him from a rope, 
By leaving the affairs of government, 
In hands of those who best will manage them. 

1st Cit. And furthermore, if there is any wit 
Which has not yet been frightened out of him, 
That wit will teach him to remain at home, 
And spend his days in drink and quietude. 

Lead. We will go home in comfortable mind ; 
For we to-day have served our country much. 
To-morrow we will serve our country more 






THE DRAMA GP EARTH. 171 

By taking the inspector prisoner. 

'Tis said a force is ready to protect 

His most opprobrious person should he need 

At any time assistance. Let us see 

How much they will protect him when they find 

That they themselves will need protection too. 

For this we must increase our number much, 

And also be well armed with blunderbusses. 

At nine o'clock, Ante Meridian, 

Let all our forces be assembled at 

The Highway Tavern, there to wet our mouths, 

And be prepared to show our chivalry. 

1st Cit. Three cheers, good men. 

All. Hurrah — hurrah — hurrah ! 

[Exemt. 



172 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 



SCENE XX. 

Residence of the Whisky Inspector surromded by a 
body of Citizens on guard. 

1st Cit. Dost thou think surely an attack to day 
Will be attempted ? 

2d Cit. If my ears erred not, 

And an attempt be made to execute 
That which I overheard, be sure it will, 
And by a force superior to ours 
No doubt, if all the disaffected round 
In these parts, join the insurrectionists, 
Who fain would trample the supremacy 
Of law beneath their rash and wayward tread. 

1st Cit. Yonder they come all armed: Be all 
prepared 
To give them warm reception. 

2d Cit. So we will; 

But see how greatly they outnumber us : 
Can we hold out against them ? 

1st Cit. * We will try: 






THE DRAMA OF EARTH. ITS 

What if we yield our lives to serve the cause 
Of law aud government ? The sacrifice 
Will not be vain : To die is glorious 
When life is given to subserve the right ; 
And such is true ambition, and it is 
As well in single combat to defend, 
In justice, the true sovereignty of law, 
As 'tis, in war, to fight with multitudes 
In the defence of a besieged city. 

2d Cit. Yet when defenders of the right, in vain, 
For lack of numbers, strive against the wrong, 
There's nothing gained in favor of the right, 
By any sacrifice of its defenders. 
In war, it is impolitic to lose 
An army all in conflict, rather than 
Surrender to the foe : To die in arms, 
Boots not, unless some favor to the cause 
That urges to the warfare, be accomplished. 
It would be rash here to expose our lives, 
Against the multitude, without a hope 
That we would be successful in defense 
Of the inspector's residence and person. 

1st Cit. They come ; and what is best, that we 
will do. 
Miter a large body of Insurgents, awe? surround the 
Guard. 



174 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Lead. I. Ho, men, what are you doing here ? 

Lead. G. Nothing 

As yet, although we may do something if 
Occasion should require. 

Lead. I. yes, you may 

If such occasion should determine it 
As gives to acts the name of accidents. 
Under such circumstances I have known 
Of persons letting windy passion glide 
From an occasion into accident. 
And will you here do such offensive acts ? 

Lead. G. We may do acts that will offend you 
more. 

Lead. I. Ha, may you so ? "Where now is the 
inspector ? 
Bring him forth quickly or else we will send 
You all where daylight will not find you more. 

Lead. G. He is within and I will speak to him, 
That he appear and answer you himself. 
Inspector, ho I speak to this army here, 
That they beware of doing violence. 

Inspector appears at a window. 

Insp. What would you have ? 
Lead. G. Speak to this army here 

So they shall not do any violence. 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 176 

Lead. I. Surrender all, or else the consequence 
Will be the death of every one of you. 

Lead. G. We will defend you though it cost our 
lives. 

Insp. No ; we can not successfully oppose 
These numbers that are here arrayed against us, 
Therefore 'twill profit not that any one 
Should lose his life when there is not a hope 
That th' object of resistance can be gained. 

Lead. I. Surrender, all of ye. 

Lead. G. Here are our arms, 

And we surrender. 

Lead. I. You are wise to do so ; 

Nor would I have demanded it of you, 
If I had thought you had not any wit. 
Come forth thou bottled-nosed inspector quick — 
Thou judge-of-liquor, thou, whose office is 
Unpleasant to thy cultivated taste 
Alone when thou dost taste of watered liquors ; 
Come forth, I say, thou smeller-out-of-wrongs. 

[The Inspector surrenders with his Guard. 
Now march with us which way we shall direct, 
Because the public weal will not allow 
Such men as you to be at liberty. [Exeunt, 



176 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 



SCENE XXI. 

Eastern Pennsylvania. — Enter Uriel andlTHURiEL 
meeting, 

Uriel. Upon this wide extent, Ithuriel, 
What warfare doth ensue, for, from the deep 
Hell's wily legions come, and here they wage 
Strife to the utmost for supremacy. 
And to subserve their purposes of ill, 
They have excited the inhabitants 
Beyond the mountains to an insurrection 
Against the government, and thus would fain 
Affect the favor of the evil fruit 
In greater measure. Ithuriel ! 
Will our hopes fail ? See the extended flood 
Of error that doth overwhelm the world ! 
The fiery essences excite to evil ; 
Thence follow wants, woes, miseries, and death, 
That cast a dismal umbrage far and deep 
Where we had hoped eternal truth would flame 
In purity and light, and radiate 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 177 

Afar, in lumination of the world. 

Is this th' avail for which we coursed the ways 

Along the waters, aiding hitherward 

Inhabitants to form a nation which 

We hoped would yield acknowledgment of truth — 

And,in such office, oft encountering 

Upon our course the powers that come from hell, 

Who, interposing with tempestuous winds, 

And adverse, and with mutinies, have oft 

Debarred our efforts from effectiveness ? 

Is this th' avail — to find constituent here, 

Of sociate man, the essence from which springs 

Such evils ? 

Ith. Yerily, the Enemy 

Of Heaven, and friend of universal ill 

Strives here all zealous with infernal might ; 

And his emboldened efforts will not cease 

Upon the earth until they shall be changed 

To struggles 'gainst the adamantine chains 

Which shall be heaped upon him manifold, 

And bind him and his power, which ere long 

Must wane as Heaven pursues against him war! 

Nor are our efforts vain, although at times 

We fail in partial from our full intents, 

Because the wiles of Hell — vast as the night 

In the infernal, miserable deep — 

8* 



178 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Oppose us : and although the insurrection 

Strides bold at west the mountains to cast off 

Restrictions on the evil essences, 

Imposed beneath the governmental charge, 

It shall not overcome authority 

Here instituted temporal for man, 

In government which Providence approves, 

As far as may its power direct for good ; 

For what is good in the authority 

Of temporal laws, down from its source in heaven 

Comes hither by celestial embassy ; 

And Heaven, by many missions here, intends 

The execution of those laws infringed ; 

And that I have in charge, and by what aid 

I may solicit to accompany, 

Now to pursue against insurgent arms 

A warfare west the mountains that divide 

Affected faith in sovereignty of law, 

From insurrection ; therefore I desire 

Thy way to turn with mine this to effect. 

Uriel. To do whatever best may serve the weal 
Of earth's inhabitants, is the delight 
Of the celestial servitors. — 
I go with thee upon these offices, 
And in all duties yield to thy dispose. 

Ith. The chief officials of the government 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 179 

Shall follow our intents, and by our aid 

They shall convoke to arms a numerous host. 

That shall assert the law's supremacy, 

And strike dispersion through the factious ranks. 

Let us go forth and soon we shall report 

Advancing legions, and the heavens shall flame 

With the celestial vanguard, such as oft 

Led forth the armies of the late revolt 

Against the usurpation of the East. [Exeunt. 



SCENE XXII. 



A Country in Pennsylvania. — Enter a body of In- 
surgents, with their Leader, and Rumblossom. 25 

Lead. Fellow-citizens — soldiers ! By a long and 
bloody war, this country has become free from the 
tyranny of England, which was exercised by taxing 
tea. But we have now assembled with arms, to free 
ourselves from the greater tyranny of our own gov- 
ernment, which is even now sending an army to en- 
force a tax even on our liquors ! We must resist that 
army at all hazards and free the liquors from tax ; 
for if the liquors be not free, we be not free ourselves ; 
for the liquors become a part of our bodies, and our 



180 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

spirits be made up of the spirits that be in the liquors : 
therefore, if the liquors be taxed, the tax be on our 
very bodies and on our. spirits ; and the people who 
drink the good liquors ought not to be taxed for being 
better compounded than the rest of mankind, but they 
ought rather to receive a premium. 

Rumb. We shall not be taxed for being so well 
compounded. Hurrah for the insurrection! success 
to the insurrection ! 

Lead. Mr. Rumblossom, I appoint you sergeant. It 
will be necessary to drill these men. 

Rumb. Get in file, men ; get one behind another, 
and form lines — that's file. All about face! — you 
are now in rank. [ To Leader.] See ! yonder come 
men in trappings. I think they be oflicers of the gov- 
ernment. Shall we fire on them ? 

Lead. No: there be but few, and they can not 
harm us ; and if they be officers of the government 
forces, we will take them prisoners and learn the 
condition of the army, if there be really an army, as 
has been noised about, perhaps to frighten us from 
our purpose. But bugbears do not frighten the val- 
iant — those that be valiant from imbibing spirits ! — 

Enter Officers. 
Ho, men ! where are you from, and what is your busi- 
ness here, with epaulettes on ? 




Look yonder, then ; observe, if thou hast not, 
The sunlight shot askance from bayonets. 

Page 181. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 181 

Off. Doth come this question from authority 
That leads against the government the arms 
Of insurrection ? First I would know this, 
Ere I give answer. 

Lead. I answer, then, it does : 

And by th' authority we have assumed 
Against the tyranny of government 
In taxing distillation, I would know 
Why you are here with regimentals on ? 

Off. Look yonder, then ; observe, if thou hast not, 
The sunlight shot askance from bayonets 
And burnished firearms ported in array 
Thickly and hitherward : thence we have come, 
And on no mission false nor vain, I think, 
Thus seconded by numbers powerful 
And vast ; and thou mayst learn it truly thus — 
That thou surrender to th' authorities 
Of proper government, and that these men, 
Misled to insurrection, quick disperse 
In quietude, ere visitation come 
Of punishment severe for following 
Thy treasonable counsels. 

Lead. Ins. So thou seem'st 

To know not wh?+ is proper government, 
Or thou wouldst not improperly have thought 
Our proper action for our liberty 



182 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

To be improper. See : the government 

Doth tax our drinks, and therefore they are dear ; 

And makes th' grain sell cheap which drinks are 

made of: 
Therefore the governmenkwould make us poor, 
And therefore 'tis that we are here with arms. 

Off. My words shall then be few — 'tis best; for 
where 
There is no understanding to perceive 
That 'tis not best that most the world be poor 
From influence of the destroying liquors, 
And all the poor should starve for want of bread, 
The law alone will serve as argument, 
And it will be enforced by power of arms. 

[Fife and drums heard. 

Lead. I now would shoot you down, if— 

Off. There's an if: 

I know thou wouldst if thou shouldst dare do it 
Before the dread array which hither turns 
Embattled movement and doth set the pale 
To quivering. Deliver up thy sword — 
Thou art my prisoner ! 

Lead. Well, here it is : 

It hath been of some service to direct 
Maneuvers in our sportive discipline, 
Which we sometimes indulge in to remember 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 183 

The battles we have fought for liberty ; 
It never has been wielded clumsily, 
In real nor affected use ; but now 
It is an instrument I do not need, 
And therefore I deliver it to you. 

Off. I am assured thou hast no need of it : 
But of the manner thou shalt answer for 
This thy pretended sportive discipline, 
I am not quite so well assured, but think 
That it will be suspension on a rope 
Betwixt the very heavens and the earth. 
Why dost thou tremble at the thought of it, 
And still turn paler and yet paler still ? 
Such is the height to which thou hast aspired. 
Disperse you, men ! — go quiet to your homes, 
And thank the government for lenity, 
That such permission now is given you ; 
And never more pursue the erring way 
Of insurrection — never more, I say ! [Exeunt. 



END OP PART II. 



PAKT THIKD. 



SCENE I. 

A Country in Massachusetts, A. D. 1845. — Enter 
Lucifer and Beelzebub. 

Beel. Behold, Lucifer ! the opposition 
We now encounter, which accumulates 
Against us, since the while ago a gleam 
Of light shot out of heaven athwart the ways 
Of our dominion. 26 Here celestials come 
With armor lifted high to cleave, with strokes 
Severe, our palpable ascendency. 

Luc. Yet if the consequence, and not the cause, 
Receive the strokes, for ever they may fall, 
And yet accomplish nothing 'gainst our rule : 
And this by plot I purpose to effect. 

Beel. I know great power lies in the depth of wiles, 
Which should ere long be made effectual 
Against the 'sociated means now here 



186 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Established by the embassy of light 
To interrupt us. 

Luc. Behold what night now gathers on the day, 
Even while my thoughts concentrate on resolve ! — 
Although day's orb is in meridian, 
Yet, notwithstanding, real darkness spreads 
Apace, which to infernal vision shows 
More clearly all the things we do on earth ! 

Beel. Lucifer, the much that we have done 
To alienate the brotherhood of men, 
Through northern and through southern latitudes, 
Delights tne revolution of my gaze ! 
Along the populous North hath want, and strife, 
And murder, followed ministrations of 
Destroying essence ; and the very same 
Hath followed in more southern latitudes : 
Yet 'twixt those countries slavery divides 
Opinions, each in strife against the other. 

Luc. 'Tis there my plot concentrates. — This the 
means 
I shall attempt : Such clamors I will raise 
Against that institution, that the voice 
Against the cause of all its ill shall be 
Inaudible ; and crystalline arcades, 
That cross our way, shall all be crumbled down 
To solid pavements for the cloven feet 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 187 

Of all our vast authority to tread, 

While going to and fro, and up and down ! 

Beelzebub, 

Beel. Ay, Lucifer, I know 

There are particulars that give thee pause 
Ere thou think'st proper to disclose in full 
The burthen of thy meaning. 

Luc. Turn thy gaze 

Above in the circumference of air, 
And all among these crags where there may lurk 
Spies from the empyrean, lest the deeds 
That I intend, be early known in heaven, 
From my directions being overheard 
By spies celestial, which have oftentimes 
Discovered to the heavenly powers our schemes, 
And therefore brought upon them hinderance. 

Beel. Oh, I see nothing in the air above, 
Nor 'mong these crags, that leads me to suspect 
That any espionage can now be here ; 
For, to my view through this contiguous shade, 
No halo is discerned which doth surround 
Spirits of light ; and hereabout the air 
Has all a sultry savor. 

Luc. Nor to me 

Appears sign of supernal messenger 
Among this contiguity of crags ; 



i 



188 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Nor vestige in the air nor on the earth, 
That shows late way of heavenly embassy ; 
Therefore I will deliver here my charge : — 
There is a youth reared in this granite space, 
With reason sealed hereditary on 
His brow, in high degree, whose destiny 
May be — if we allow it such a course, 
Under the guidance of the powers of light — 
To lead this government so that its bonds 
Grow firmer 'gainst our greater opposition. 
Thou knowest such one ? 

Beel. Ay, I know such one ; 

And many such there may be, but he whom 
I mean particularly, is Legree, 
Who is the subject of thy reference, 
No doubt. 

Luc. He is the subject of design, 
And he shall be our instrument awhile : 
He shall be plied with vilest essences 27 
Until his spirit sink into such change, 
That he shall do the acts that we appoint ; 
And his determined way shall find the space 
Of Ethiop service, and appointed means 
Shall give into his charge the toil of slaves ; 
And, by the influence of maddening draughts 
Of liquors sent down thither from the North, 



THE DEAMA OP EAKTH. 189 

He shall subject them to such tortures that 

The spirit shall go from its tenement 

Of suffering clay. Such things, accounted gross, 

Will of necessity be known abroad ; 

Though, while some means show evils to the world, 

And teach the world to hate, and fear to do them, 

Yet spirits of darkness make the world so blind, 

It ever fears to trace effect to cause : 

So, when the actions which Legree shall do, 

Be known through civil channels of the earth, 

The ministers of darkness shall, with wiles, 

Divert the world's attention from the cause, 

And let it only dwell upon effects ; 

Therefore the North shall shrug, and fond amaze 

Shall seize the nations, which shall hardly think 

There can be other slaves than Ethiop slaves ! 

Nor shall the South then see what harm is done them 

By vilest essence, while they cherish still 

Their enemy in draughts of burning death ! 

They have their institution to defend ! — 

Beelzebub, to thee I give in charge 

The management of this effective scheme : 

Pursue it with thy service at control. 

Beel. It shall be done : the spirits at my command 
Shall quick attend to its accomplishment, 
Soon as their offices can serve th' issue. 



190 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Luc. My course now turns across the Orient 
To traverse our ascendency, which way 
Lies in enlargement over the wide earth ! 

{Exit Lucifer. 

Beel. I to my charge will call immediately 
Attendance. — Ho! Diabolos, come forth, 
Where'er thou art in circumambient air, 
And be here momentary ! 

Enter Diabolos. 

Diab. Here I am : 

For, at thy bidding, through the atmosphere 
My course has brought me whence my deeds have been 
Stabbing men, strangling babes, slandering, 
Violating virtue, torturing heretics, 
And other things in lateral occurrence ; 
But hither I have come swift as the light 
Shot from the sun, or the electric flame 
Riving the air ; and my obedience waits 
Thy will, whate'er it be. 

Beel. Soon thou shalt know 

What I require. — Ho ! Typhon, from the vast 
Of air, come hither ! 

Enter Typhon. 
Typh. I am here at onco : 

I left the pirate-ship which, with my breath 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 191 

Like to a tempest, I did urge beyond 
Pursuit, and it is safe upon the wave ; 
And I am at thy service. 

Beel. Thou shalt soon 

Know what is my requirement. — Mammon, ho ! 
My summons bids thee come here quickliest ! 

Enter Mammon. 

Mam. Well, I am here, and quicklier than light, 
Or lightning traversing the storm ! What, pray ?— 
My doings have been all of great account — 
Cheating, thieving, selling indulgences, 
And the intoxicating juices — also 
Pirating on the wet and vasty sea : 
Whatever thou wouldst have me further do, 
I will perform in full capacity 
Of my essential office. 

Beel. Yet awhile, 

And thou shalt know. Here Baccho shall attend : 
His office is great service : — Baccho, ho ! 
Come hither, Baccho, ho ! come hither quick ! 

Enter Baccho. 
Bac. Bi, bo, bibulo, 

This is the world for me ; 
This is the world for all of us, 
Because it is the world for me ! 



192 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Here I am, you see, come from reveling where li- 
quors be imbibed ; and I am ready to do all that per- 
tains to drunkenness. Were it not for drinking, this 
world would not be the world for my association. 

Beel. Baccho, prepare to work temptations great. 
Come hither, Imp, where'er thou art : let now 
Thy way through the conducting atmosphere, 
Turn hitherward upon this summons quick ! 
Enter Imp. 

Imp. What, Master? I have come from superin- 
tending the drawing of corks, the broaching of bar- 
rels, and the bottling of cure-alls ; and I am ready to 
do all special duty. 

Beel. Ye spirits in attendance, that await 
Direction, know ye one Legree, whose life 
Flows vigorous in abstinence, and draws 
But little of its true inheritance 
From drunken ancestry, nor easily 
Yields to assaults of wily influence — - 
Know ye such one ? 

Diab. Ay ! 

Typh. Ay ! 

Mam. Ay ! 

Bac. Ay! 

Imp. Ay ! he inhabits among the granites, and his 
spirit affects the celestial more than the terrestrial. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 193 

Bac. He eschews the good-vile drinks — brandy, 
gin, whisky, rum, toddies, slings, smashes, cock-tails, 
and the weed : therefore, there is to me no comfort in 
his companionship. 

Mam. Although he likes the comforts of possessions, 
He will not dream of gold continually, 
Nor coin it from advantage over hirelings. 

Typh. Nor will he utter lies nor words malign, 
Even though his occupation aid such temptings. 

Diab. Nor wield the weapons of revenge or death. 

Beel. He shall be tampered with the essences ; 

Then will he do at least a part of these : 

See ye to it, ye spirits at my command — 

Legree shall be a victim of our wiles ! 

Make him so low and vile, and, by the means 

So free at your control, cause him to turn 

His travel southward to the land of slaves : 

There set him in authority, although 

Himself shall be more abject than the toil 

Beneath his care. Ay, this is not beyond 

The province of your power: and more— make him 

Inflict upon his service tortures that 

Shall free the spirit from authority 

Of such subjected mastery. This is 

The charge — attend it well : I will regard 

Its consummation. Then Columbia, 

9 



194 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

And Albion, and many of the nations, 

Shall drink down death, and weep compassion on 

The victims of this victim ; but no tear 

Shall fall for the misfortunes of Legree ! 

Ha ! then will Albion, especially, 

Thunder anathemas against the power 

That holds the Ethiop in servitude, 

Nor scarcely deem her drunken citizens 

More abject than the Ethiopian slave — 

And yet this Union shall be all convulsed 

Diverse through latitude ! — Go forth : pursue 

All this, and great advantage will accrue ! 

[ The devils raise a great shout, and exeunt 



SCENE n. 

Legree' s House. — Legree and Celestra, seated 
together. 

Leg. Celestra, my Celestra, gentle lady, 
Thy presence is my life, and by thy presence, 
This earth to me is all a paradise — 
All seasons, summer, and perpetual joy 
Reigns in this bosom which were desert else. 
What if all crowns and jewelled diadems, 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 195 

And all the empires, kingdoms, and dominions 
Of all the earth, could be in my possession 
By loss of thee ? — the purchase would be dear: 
I could not thus resign all happiness 
And let my soul become a vasty desert, 
In which itself, for ever and for ever, 
Might roam to find it all a cheerless waste, 
Where all the crowns and jeweled diadems, 
And all the empires, kingdoms, and dominions, 
Could not dispel the gloom of desolation ! 

Cel. My husband, I thank you : I am greatly bound 
In duty to you for your kind regard. 
I thank the Giver of all goodly gifts 
That th' world to me is such a happy world. 

Leg. Celestra, I regret, while business calls 
Me to the city, that affairs compel 
Such haste and weary course by day and night, 
That the fatiguing way may not allow 
Thy happy presence to accompany. 

Cel. Thou wilt not long be absent ? 

Leg. No, my dear ; 

A few days only and I will return. 
Meanwhile the hope of meeting thee ere long, 
Will cast a cheer upon my distant way : 
Without which hope, my absence, dear, from thee, 
Would be a real absence from myself; 



196 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

For, without thee, my days would all be nights 
Closing upon departed happiness ; 
And life be but a breathing, not a living ; 
And joys be sorrows, and all pleasures, pains 
Riving my heart asunder ! Fare thee well — 
Thus, with a kiss, we part to meet again 
Ere Phaeton hath four times driven round 
The coasted sky with his swift chariot 
Laded with day. 

Cel. Farewell while you are absent. 

[Exit Legree. 
Yet, is my fear't it will fare ill with him ; 
For oft conventionalities contemn 
Man's high exalted nature and conspire 
Against his reason and his appetite 
Through mediate potions of destroying essence, 
Which all abase all his sublimity, 
And lay both what is mortal and immortal 
In ruins ! From temptation, none are free, 
And dangers oft beset the wariest. 
My husband has a cousin in the city, 
One Malverton, who had been temperate 
Through all his youth ; and he was prosperous ; 
But I have learned that since reverse of fortune 
Hath followed his successes he has sought 
Such consolation as the glass affords 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 197 

In its death-mingled, mad exhilaration 1 

Him, will my husband visit; and what then ? 

Why is it that my anxious spirit says : 

" What then" ? So heavy is the very thought, 

It is a burthen to my soul to think 

What then may follow that will make thick night, 

Hang dark and heavily upon the future. 

When Malverton, with bland persuasiveness, 

Says, " Simon, come, let's have a social glass 

And then recite the happy incidents 

That gathered thickly on our youthful days," 

Or else, by the presumed consent of custom, 

And smiles unconsciously insidious, 

He says, " Let's make the glad hours of our meeting 

More glad with merry potions ; come, Legree, 

Health and prosperity be in the future, 

And let the cheer expression pass with wine ;" 

Will then my husband yield to such request ? 

Be silent, all my fears : say not that he 

Will take the first step down that awful steep 

Which leads accelerating to the gulf 

Of everlasting ruin ! no ; no ; no ; 

Be silent, fears, I say, that thus unsought 

Intrude against all probabilities, 

Because he is not made of such frail earth 

As yield to errors gross and palpable, 



198 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Else why do I esteem him most of all. 
Celestra, let thy fears no more close close 
The opened door of thy adoring heart 
And thus shut out the light of happiness. 
Simon will soon return, and naught the bliss 
Shall mar that will live in his greeting kiss. 

{Exit. 



SCENE III. 

A room in Malverton's House. — Malverton and 
Legree seated at table. 

Mal. Those were the days of our youthful enjoy- 
ments, and it is pleasant to live them again in reminis- 
cence : Take some wine, Mr. Legree. 

Leg. Excuse me this time ; it affects me unfavor- 
ably to drink wine after repast. What may be good 
for some persons at such time, is not for me. 

Mal. I am sorry it affects you so ; wine is now the 
conclusion of my repast : Some other time will doubt- 
less be favorable for us to pledge our mutual friend- 
ship. We have seen much to-day : shall we not at- 
tend the theatre to-night ? 

Leg. They have good plays, no doubt, from which 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 199 

one may be taught impressive lessons by the repre- 
sentation of virtuous and vicious examples in contrast? 

Mal. Yes ; to-night, at the Notional, will transpire 
the play of " Othello, the Moor of Yenice," which 
represents the unhappy result of ill-founded jealousy. 

Leg. It will please me. I intend to depart for 
home to-morrow, and the conclusion of my business 
affairs here, is but an answer. I will return in a few 
minutes. 

Mal. I await your return. [Exit Legree.] His 
pale face ought to be colored a little. I suppose he 
drinks only the excuse for drink — the insipid water, 
else, I know not how he is supplied with so many in- 
sipid excuses. I have solicited him to drink at mid- 
time between meals, and his exception to this time he 
gave thus : " I beg you to excuse me ; I can not drink 
at this hour with safety" — as if fatalities were the 
accidents of certain times ! I have solicited him to 
drink with me before meals, and by incidental favor 
or perfection of practice, his excuse became only this 
manner: — " It seems that persons have such consti- 
tutional differences, that many may take a dram before 
eating, while I can not without unfavorable affec- 
tion; therefore I beg you will excuse me.' , Excuse 
him ! ha ! And now it is not good for him to take 
wine after repast ! What ! Is he not my friend ? 



200 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Was he not the most intimate associate of my youth, 
and is he now not enough a man to endure the cheer- 
ing liquors long enough to pass a jovial hour with a 
friend ? And, by refusal of compliance, will he thus 
slight me on all occasions ? Ha ! I '11 see ! There 
is a bar in the Notional Theatre, where we go to- 
night. There I took my first dram, and many others, 
doubtless, have done the same, and afterward, like 
myself, found it easy to partake at any and almost all 
times. There I will try him : there I will assail the 
fortress of his excuses, and I will prevail on him to 
drink with me, and afterward, he will find that liquors 
are good without any exception regarding particular 
times. 

Enter Legree. 

Leg. Well, my friend, I am now ready to take the 
pleasurable walk. 

Mal. The evening being agreeable, as well as your 
companionship, we will have a pleasant time. 

Leg. I thank you. [Exeunt. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 201 



SCENE IV. 

Bar-room in the Notional Theatre. — Men drinking 
at the bar. — Enter Malverton and Legree. 

Mal. How do you like the play thus far ? 

Leg. Well. 

Mal. Desdemona is a lovely creature, 

As she has been personified to-night : 
I know of no one lovelier. 

Leg. I know 

One lovelier beyond comparison. 

Mal. You mean your wife ? 

Leg. She is the paragon 

Of women, in my estimation. 

Mal. You may not always think so. 

Leg. Should I see 

A being seeming lovelier, I would think 

That being not belonging to this earth, 

But had come hither from the realms above, 

So nearly my Celestra seems to be 

An angel sent to make my life most happy. 
9* 



202 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Mal. I have not had the pleasure of seeing her, 
But I observe you are not what you were ; 
For in your features there is that portrayed 
That doth proclaim a happiness beyond 
All that which gathered on your youthful days, 
When all your dullest mood was gayety. 
I beg your pardon that I have not yet 
Congratulated you upon your marriage, 
"Whereby such happiness befalls your lot ; 
But I am ready to make all amends 
That lie within my power, and will express, 
By th' inspiration which this bar affords, 
My gratulations. — Now, what will you have ? 
Here is a good variety of liquors. 

Leg. I thank you, and I beg you will excuse me : 
However much it may be my desire, 
I must not now partake — it is my weakness: 
I wonder I am not as other men, 
That I may bear, at such an hour as this, 
The draught that seems the cheer of many men, 
Which would disturb my drooping thoughts with pain ; 
And I would treasure the succeeding acts 
Which will be soon afforded. — Tell me, pray, 
This way we did not enter — doth it lead 
Where we may breathe the purer atmosphere 
Beyond these walls ? 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 203 

Mal. If not, it is the way 

Where we may find the spirit sociable 
In excellent liquors. Are you not my friend ? 
And will you slight me thus on all occasions 
On which I seek to pledge our mutual friendship ? 
Can it be possible you are not made 
Of the material I think you are, 
That hath the virtue, relishing the good, 
Which, from the heart, inspires the gayety 
Thus made a happy attribute of manhood ? 
No ; no, my friend, if you be yet my friend, 
The harm is in your fears, not in the draught 
Which has the power to banish every fear ! 
I have no fear, save that experience 
Has never taught you how much pleasure lies 
In the innocuous and cheering draught. 

Leg. Experience has never taught me that 
There's pleasure in th' inebriating cup. 
I am your friend, and that I will attest 
In manner as determined by your pleasure, 
Even though in that I should forget myself, 
And minister to my own harm. Indeed, 
This little difference, that would divide 
Our early friendship, shall be set aside. 

Mal. 'Tis well concluded, and you need not fear ; 
For, for the world I would nqk do you harm 



204 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

By importunity against your good ! 
What will you have ? 

Leg. Whatever may please you : 

I will not use the liberty of choice. 

Mal. Good cogniac, then, at this time of the night, 
Will favor my imbibing appetite. 

Leg. Good cogniac, then, at this time of the night, 
Will make our further friendships move aright. 

Mal. Here is a compound, and invisible 
Is each of its component parts : one third 
Is cogniac brandy ; and another third 
Is my congratulations on your marriage 
To her who is the idol of your love ; 
The other third, invisible, is health 
And great prosperity through all your life (?) 
And this is real nectar, mingled thus ! 

Leg. I thank you for the audible expression 
Of these which are invisible, yes — 
Although not tasteless, being ingredients 
Of nectar ! Here is health and happiness (?) 
May you enjoy them ever, though the Fates 
Essay their opposition ! 

Mal. It is well 

To drink our early sports again — to quaff 
The gayety of youth, if that be past : 
More pleasures now for manhood ! Drink again ; 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 205 

For our remembrances are in the draught ! 

Leg. Nay, Malverton, are not our friendships pledged, 
And our remembrances enlivened too ? 
Will we forget our early pleasantries 
Around the social board, which had not then 
The chalice of this inspiration on it ? 

Mal. Legree, you are not made of such frail stuff 
As can not bear a wholesome quantity 
Of the soul-cheering, soul-inspiring drink ; 
For, had you been, you could not have obtained 
The blessing of connubial happiness 
In such a wife as I have learned you have : 
The power by which you won her would, no doubt, 
Directed to imbibing, find you able 
To bear the joys of a perpetual drinking. — 
Will you not drink again ? 

Leg. It will please you. 

Mal. This time my appetite solicits wine ; 
And here are my congratulations now, 
On your release from chaining habitude, 
Which nothing knows of the inspiring joy 
That with this spirit flows into the spirit ! 

Leg. I thank you. Here is health, and wealth, and 
wine, 
For your continual blessings ! 

Mal. Ay, truly said, for when I have wine I have 



206 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

health, when I have wine I have wealth, and when I 
have wine I have wine, — all which are comforts that 
come by wine. 

[Bell rings, and applause within. 

Leg. Does not the play begin ? 

Mal. Yes, the curtain rises now. 

Leg. Let us go and see the rest of the play. What 
was the play, — was it Hamlet, Prince of Tyre, which 
I have read of in Sophocles, or was it Macbeth, the 
usurious Jew ? 

Mal. It was Macbeth, the usurious Jew. 

Leg. Well, we will give 'em 'plause ! [Exeunt. 



SCENE V. 

In the Notional Theatre. 

Among 1 the Audience — On the Stage — Iago and 
Malverton and Legree. Cassio. 

" Iago. What was he 
that you followed with 
your sword ? What had he 
done to you ? 

Cas. I know not. 
Iago. Is it possible ? 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



207 



Mal. Exactly so ; d' ye 
hear that ? 

Leg. Not all. What 
said he ? 

Mal. He said:—" 
that men should be an 
enemy to themselves and 
not put any drink in their 
mouths, and thus impover- 
ish their brains, that they 
have no joy, revel, pleas- 
ure, nor applause ; but be 
transformed into beasts !" 
Encore! encore! 



Cas. I remember a 
mass of things, but no- 
thing distinctly ; a quar- 
rel, but nothing where- 
fore. — that men should 
put an enemy in their 
mouths to steal away 
their brains ! that we 
should, with joy, revel, 
pleasure, and applause, 
transform ourselves into 
beasts ! 

Iago. Why, but you 
are now well enough ! 
How came you thus recov- 
ered? 

Cas. It hath pleased 
the devil, drunkenness, to 
give place to the devil, 
wrath ; one unperfect- 
ness shows me another, to 
make me frankly despise 
myself. 

Iago. Come, you are too 
severe a moraler : As the 
time, the place and the 



208 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



Leg. Encore ! encore ! 

Mal. Really, man be all 
spirit when his body be 
made up of spirits. 

For our own 



good: — There be many 
things for our own good : 
Such be cogniac ; such be 
champaign ; such be mar- 
achino ; such be juleps ; 
such be toddies ; such be 
flips; such be punches — 
and while they glow in 
the nose they make the 
spirits glow also. 

Leg. Ha ! my spirits 
now glow. 



Mal. Yes, wine is a 
good familiar creature, if it 
be well used ; and to use it 
well is to drink it ; wine is 
made to be drmk. 



condition of this country 
stands, I could heartily 
wish this had not befallen ; 
but since it is as it is, 
mend it for your own good. 

Cas. I will ask him for 
my place again ; he shall 
tell me, I am a drunk- 
ard! Had I as many 
mouths as Hydra, such an 
answer would stop them 
all. To be now a sen- 
sible man, by and by 
a fool, and presently a 
beast ! strange ! Every 
inordinate cup is unbless- 
ed and the ingredient is a 
devil. 

Iago. Come, come, good 
wine is a good familiar 
creature if it be well 
used;" etc. 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 209 



Leg. I am not drunk; 
Do you call me drunk? 
Insolence, away ! 

Mal. I, Insolence ? 
[Strikes him, whereupon 

they engage in fight, 

and are taken away by 

Officers. 



SCENE VI. 

A Room in Legree's House. — Enter Celestra. 

Cel. Six times the coursing visitant of day 
Hath driven night beyond the Occident, 
Since my dear husband left, nor yet returns, 
Though confident assurance set that time 
Of happy expectation, to arrive 
Before the last two days, that, heavily, 
Have moved o'er my lone spirit sadly drooped. 
Why comes he not — ah, why ? There is a why ! 
let my tongue not utter what I think, 
Lest that same utterance should sound like truth 
Spoke from afar, to murmur in my soul 
Bad tidings ! What art thou, capricious time, 
That mock'st me and dost make thy moments long, 



210 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

But to prolong the misery of suspense. 
Thy fleeter hours brought me all happiness 
A few days since, but that has all retired 
Behind his unavailing promises, 
Which now come up before me dark — all dark 
As night ! and gloomy as the shades of death ! 
May joys not come again ? 0, if they come, 
The idol of my heart will come and bring them ! 
Simon ! why delay ? — why dost thou stay 
From thy adorer ? Dost thou doubt my love ? 
Or has thy love grown cold so soon ? No ; no ; 
Fortuities have interfered ; but what 
To my dear husband has befallen thence ? 
let my soul he silent of its fears ! 

Enter Bridget. 
Brid. He's coming, he's coming. 
Cel. Who ? Simon Legree, my husband ? 
Brid. Yes, he is at the door ; I saw him from the 

window. 
Cel. I thank you for that word. 

Enter Legree. 
Leg. Good morning, dear. 
Cel. 0, good morning ! 

[She hastens to him and he kisses her, then 
she turns away pale and silent. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 211 

Leg. Why, what 's the matter, dear ? I 've come 
again. 
I promised you I would in a few days, 
And yet the time I have been gone, seems long 
Because thy presence is so dear to me. 

Cel. I do not now regard the little time 
That intervened between my expectation 
And your return, for time is nothing when 
'Tis past. 

Leg. Have I not come before the time 
That I appointed, have I not, Celestra ? 

Cel. Time past is nothing ; you have now returned. 

Leg. Yet why are you so pale, — are you not well ? 

Cel. If I am pale, and if I am not well, 
I would that I were not pale and were well, 
If my being pale and sick, makes you unhappy. 

Leg. What is the matter, dear, tell me, Celestra ; 
Ho, Bridget, bring some water ; she is fainting ! 
Quick, Bridget ! 

Brid. Missis! Celestra! — boo — hoo — 

Cel. No ; leave me by myself awhile, I pray, 
I shall recover from this indispose 
That causes me to droop. 

Leg. Well, be it so. 

Perhaps 't is best, I leave at her request : 
Perhaps too sudden joy upon our meeting 



212 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

After suspense, has caused all this ; for now, ^ 

I do remember, I have some delayed 

Returning at the time I did appoint. [Exit Legree. 

Cel. I see it all, plain as the very day — 
There is a woful future on my way ; 
"When sets the sun before the gazing eye, 
There is no question that the night is by. 
So when I breathe my husband's tainted breath, 

And see the feature of his shadowed spirit, 
I know my joys are lingering in death — 

I know my future, sorrows will inherit. 
And that it is that makes me sick at heart, 
And turns me sudden pale, — no other art. 
Ah me ! To be a drunkard's wife ! I see 

The durance of endurance in reserve 
For one Celestra, married to Legree, 

Yet from all duties she will never swerve. 
I know her love will make her cling to him, 
Aye, cling to him and cling to suffering, 
For such is woman's frailty ; frailty? No: 
'T is frailty that through appetite invites 
The demon drunkenness. Oft have I seen 
Outside my path, the dread insidious monster 
Luring its victims into misery. 
That monster now begins insidious 
To prey across my pilgrimage. Is there 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 213 

No hope that I shall find it otherwise ? 
The power of habit over appetite 
I know full well, and therefore ends my hope. 
No ; no : Why do I magnify the cause 
Of this revulsion that doth make me pale ? 
Look at life's better side : — Good cheer, Celestra. 
Re-enter Legree. 

Leg. How is it with you now, Celestra, dear ? 

Cel. 0, 1 am better and I thank you for 
Your kind regard. 

Leg. I thought you would be better, 

And think you soon will be entirely well. 

Cel. I hope so : did you meet your city friends, 
And find them well ? 

Leg. 0, yes, they are all well. 

Cel. Did you see Malverton ? 

Leg. ' Him?— yes: he was 

My chum, you know, in my collegiate course. 

Cel. He is the same, perhaps, he used to be. 

Leg. Perhaps, or — no ; not quite : there is some 
change 
In his appearance since five years ago. 
Time makes such changes. 

Cel. Time and circumstance 

Do much in fellowship, yet circumstance 
Doth oft pursue alone vast enterprise : 



214 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Ay, time and circumstance build and lay waste, 
Yet circumstance does oftentimes destroy 
When time with deference would rather spare. 
Your absence has been safe from casualty, 
I hope, in all your journey ? 

Leg. Yes, entirely ; 

For I need not except such incidents 
As are not worthy incidental mention. 
Bridget, attend Celestra's wants with care ; 
She will recover from indisposition 
In but a little time — a little while. 
Some business with my neighbor down the way 
I must attend to now without delay. [Exit Legree. 

Cel. I rather that business had been so urgent that 
it sooner would have brought him home to its atten- 
dance. I fear the reason of its urgency now, may be his 
anticipation of further question, the true answering 
of which, might sadly reveal much that I suspect, — 
something in his regard, not worthy incidental men- 
tion, which probably would prove to be the cause 
of an apparently bruised eye, and swelled cheek, and 
offensive breath ! Celestra, wife of Legree, prepare 
for events in the future that shall rack thy soul ! — that 
shall — that shall — Bridget, come, assist me to retire. 
[She faints as Bridget comes to her assistance. 

[Exeunt. 



THE DRAMA OF EAETH. 215 



SCENE VII. 

Bar-room in the Notional Hotel. — Legree, with other 
Citizens, drinking and quarreling. — Diabolos and 
Baccho, invisible, waving their wands over them, 
— Landlord behind the bar. 

Leg. Who is he that braves me ? It was not as 
you said. I defy you ! 

1st Cit. Defy me ? Take that, and that ! 

[Strikes him. 
Leg. Then take that, and that ! 

[Gives him several blows. 
2d Cit. If there's going to be a fight, I'll have a 
fist in it too. 

3d Cit. So will I. 

[Whereupon all engage in the fight. Legree 
stabs his first antagonist, who falls. 
1st Cit. Ho ! help ! murder ! [Dies. 

[TJie other parties escape at one door, 
and Officers enter at another. 
Opp. What is the matter ? Who did this ? 



216 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

Land. No one here. I know not who. They have 
gone that way. 

Off. That way, then, we go to arrest them. 

[Exeunt Officers. 



SCENE YIH. 



A Street before the Notional Theatre. — Enter St. 
Clare, and a Friend of St. Clare and Legree. 

St. Clare. I knew his nature noble, generous, 
And yet I think that there is that in him 
Which, fiery, must render terrible ! 
Legree a drunkard ! Ay, dost thou know more ? 
I pray you, tell me : doth his family 
Suffer because of it ? Why do I ask, 
For doth not drunkard comprehend all that ? 
And yet I rather that you tell me all, 
So I may not imagine worse than all. 

Friend. Then know that recently I waited at 
The portal of his dwelling-place — the door 
Was opened : I beheld ! — there a pale form, 
And haggard, cast on me bewildered gaze ! 
A child in rags clung to her tattered garments, 
And cried the diapente mournful down ; 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 217 

Anon succeeded in beseeching tone : 

"Please, mother, give me bread — please give me 

bread !" 
" My child, I have no bread to give !" she said, 
And her lamenting voice sunk in my soul 
So mournful, that it drew tears from my eyes, 
"Which, to remembrance, never wept before, 
Although my spirit hath been bowed in grief ! 
I asked, " Where is Legree ?" Her answer was : 
" I know not where : 'tis seldom he is here : 
Go ask the winds, for they can tell thee more 
Than I can tell, wherever he may be !" 

St. Clare. Dost thou not think some charitable 
hand 
Hath ministered to their necessities ? 

Friend. I sent them food : if that was charity, 
Then charity may dwell in hearts of stone ; 
For, had the flinty mountains heard the words 
That in despairing tones came from her lips, 
They would have melted down, and from their veins 
Poured all their golden treasures into need ! 

St. Clare. These evils ought to challenge such re- 
gard, 
That they would quick be banished from the world. 

Friend. But they do not, indeed ; and since they be, 

The world doth think it is because they must be. 
10 



218 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

St. Clare. There is inquiry further in my mind, 
And yet I will not ask your favor more. 

Friend. Do me the favor, will you, to inform me 
How I, your humble servant, best may serve 
In presentation of what you would know, 
If it be possibly within my power ? 

St. Clare. I feared there might be darker circum- 
stance 
You did not like to tell, lest I should feel 
The pain that follows most unwelcome news ; 
For meaning intimations I have heard, 
Keferring to Legree, which tender me 
The fear that criminality abides 
On some of his exceptionable acts. 
I fain would learn ; and therefore let me ask — 
Has there been any crime committed, which, 
In the account of justice, would require 
The person of Legree to answer for ? 

Friend. Oh, crimes be plentiful upon this world ! 
They sometimes stare us into dread of them 
While gazing on us stern and terrible ! 
And oft the observation hath been lost 
In the complete enormities of blood — 
So hath the hand been seen to wield the blade, 
Piercing the heart of an antagonist ; 
Whose hand, nobody positively knew, 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 219 

And in the evidence it hath appeared — 
A crowd was seen — a fight, and many men 
Struggling together — and a dagger raised 
And thrust — the victim struggling in his blood ! 
No more. Such was the lamentable part 
Acted not long since in our little village, 
In th' bar-room of the Notional Hotel ; 
And noisy Rumor said Legree was there, 
And more — for Rumor was severe, and made 
The charge necessitating his arrest — 
For which he has been tried, but not condemned, 
Since lack of proof makes accusation vain. 

St. Clare. 'Tis best one should know naught of 
circumstance, 
Of which, when all is known, the heart is sad. 
To know a little, leads one to pursue 
The facts connected, leading to the worst. 

Friend. His love for the intoxicating cup, 
Inordinate, is most misfortunate. 

St. Clare. There was a time he shunned the hellish 
cup, 
Or seemed to shun, as he would hell itself ! 
I have no doubt that more than common arts, 
Or wiles infernal, have upon him worked, 
To lead him into ruin's surest way. 

Friend. I think his first inebriation was 



220 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

In th' Notional Theatre not long ago. 
At least so Rumor says ; and Rumor oft 
Speaks true, though careless in the utterance. 

St. Clare. The Notional Theatre ? Why, that is 
here — - 
Within which is a bar, I am aware : 
And there begins the playing of such tricks 
As make the world aghast at the effects : 
And if there be presented on the stage, 
Acts, showing the reward of vice as well 
As that of virtue, yet it is my hope 
That th' counterpart of what Legree hath done, 
Or may do, that shall pain the world's great eye, 
Will never be presented on the stage 
In th' Notional, unless the cause be shown 
That brought him into such adversities. 
And since Legree is fallen, who is safe ? — 
For I know none whose appetite I thought 
More in subjection to refraining will. 

Friend. The influences that surround some men, 
To lead them adverse in the way to crime, 
May be exceptive in a great degree : 
For one who- would be tempted easily 
To an unwise indulgence, may escape 
The influences to such habitude ; 
And yet another, fortified against 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 221 

Palatial instigation and assaults 
Of incitation quite inordinate, 
Yields to the potency of circumstance 
That seems omnipotent ! 

St. Clare. I can account 

For his sad error in no other way — 
Which error makes the reminiscences 
Of our associate pleasures lie in gloom. 
I soon shall be at home, in latitude 
Toward the sun, remote quite ten degrees ; 
And when I turn my eyes again upon 
The woful and accursed intemperance, 
Which casts its umbrage on the sunny South, 
All will appear more sombre to my view ; 
And oft my thoughts will turn upon Legree — 
Oh ! Heaven, not earth, knows what his end will be ! 

Enter Baccho, invisible, with a corkscrew. 

Friend. The atmosphere is most unpleasant here 
All on a sudden : shall we not go hence ? 

St. Clare. Phoo ! the vile air arising from this ditch 
Offensively affects my nasal sense : 
Let our immediate steps turn from this place. 

[Exeunt St. Clare and his Friend. 

Bac. Fu ! the bad air that comes up out this ditch, 
Offends his nostril in the choice of smell. 



222 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

0, 1 see that my presence, though invisible, is man- 
ifest to his nose, yet by his nose he knows not that it 
is I ; for the perfume, consisting of the commingled 
odors of brimstone and this corkscrew, which so of- 
fends his uncultivated nasal sense, he doth mistake 
for some earthly odor. St. Clare, St. Clare ! if 
thou couldst have seen me in some dissembled shape, 
so thou wouldst not have known my identity, to be 
frightened thereby ; and, withal, hadst thou known 
my familiarity with that Simon Legree, no doubt thy 
inquiries would have detained me long, and, in the an- 
swering of them, I should have told thee such a mul- 
titude of lies that I might have been in want of suffi- 
cient supply of them during a few courses of the day : 
and the lies that I should have told thee, would have 
been good for thee — somnific — soporific — that thy 
siestas would not have regard for Legree, nor any 
night of thy slumbers, the great things which I with 
the bottles, do. Furthermore, let me advise thee that 
at some future time I may overcome also thee — over- 
come thee with the good liquor in bottles! There 
be accidents in bottles, too — accidents which Mam- 
mon calls property — and I think that it be well that 
thou be not long in this world. Really, this world 
be full of accidents as it be full of bottles. The time 
is almost present at which I am to meet Mammon and 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 223 

Imp in the bar-room in the Notional. Their speed 
be greater than mine, and no doubt I will find them 
awaiting me. [ Goes into the Theatre. 



SCENE IX. 

Bar-room in the Notional Theatre. — Mammon and 
Imp filling bottles. 

Mam. I have got most effective instrument 
To touch the appetite of all this world, 
So I may prove all things by appetite ; 
At least I have got something in this bottle 
Of most exceedingly good quality. 

Imp. I think that be rather queer, and much is my 
wonder if, without any aid, thou hast invented extra- 
ordinary mixture contained in that slim-necked vessel 
smelted from the rock ; and if thou hast, more is my 
wonder what it is. 

0, it is elements, all elements ! 

Imp. 0, ho ! this great globe be all made of ele- 
ments, and I think thou couldst not keep even the 
miniature of it in that bottle smelted from the rock. 

Mam. 0, there are other elements than those 
Essential of this globe conglomerate, 



224 THE DEAMA OF EARTH. 

And I have got them bottled in this bottle. 
Here are the elements of strife, of hate, 
Of murder, havoc, wo, and squalid want, 
Tears, sighs, and groans, and baleful miseries. 
Diseases, dire delirium tremens ; — ha I 
And these are property, all property, 
Which in material form is alcohol, 
With which are mingled many potent drugs ; 
And they enhance my profits very much. 

Imp. 0, ho ! that be not extraordinary now, it be 
only common : yet I wish thee extraordinary succes- 
ses ; for I like to have plentiful business, — superin- 
tending the bottling of the rum, the gin, the whisky, 
the wine, the beer, and the residue of the intoxica- 
ting juices ; and the music that best cheers* my labors, 
will be the shrieks of deliriums and the cry of the 
orphan's wants ; all these be real music to me. 

Enter Baccho. 

Ha, Baccho ! in good time thou hast come, and no 
doubt the smell of these bottles persuades thee that 
the mixtures be of proper qualities. 

Bac. Good, good ; 0, ay ! they all be of very 
good qualities, even as any in the most regarded lo- 
calities of this world — even the place of my last 
visitation. 



I 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 225 

Imp. I know not what locality has been favored 
with thy last visiting. 

Bac. "Why, the big island which be the stool on 
which John Bull sits and drinks beer and toddies. 

Imp. And eats poisoned bread. 

Bac. Ay, my very last visiting was there, whither 
I went, shadowing the ocean with my speed, and I 
have been attending to the continuance of the drink- 
ing customs ! 

Imp. Yery important customs ; and when they all 
shall be established here, our rejoicings will be louder 
than all tempestuous roarings ! 

Mam. And my profits will be enlarged exceedingly. 

Bac. 0, think of it ! births, baptisms, marriages, 
deaths, dinners, canvassings, elections, contracts, 
beginnings, finishings, are all celebrated with the im- 
bibing of the liquors; and in the trades, too, think of 
it, — the fines, footings, pay-night customs, allowance 
pots, way-geese, muggings, remuneration pints, drink 
penalties, bribes, and vast many others, — think of it 
and smile. 28 

Imp. I do think of it, and know it is worthy of 

risible contemplation ; and if I should laugh now, 

to the fullness of my rejoicing in contemplation 

thereof, this bar-room would be burst asunder and all 

the bottles broken no doubt. 
10* 



226 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

Mam. Then beware that thy rejoicing be not vent- 
ed ; for, indeed, such effect would be calamity because 
of the destruction of my property. 

Bac. And here we overcome the people with the 
juices, — here I overcame Legree, who be instrument 
in the scheme we be advancing. 

Imp. 0, I will have care : Thinking of Legree, I 
have no doubt that his future acts will make John 
Bull roll his eyes in wonder while he sits and drinks 
his poisoned beer and toddies. 

Bac. Assuredly so. Even now comes the time 
that I am to meet Diabolos, and with him traverse 
divers places, getting up fights and superintending the 
bruising of noses, and the bunging of eyes, and other 
good offenses in greater degrees. 

Imp. 0, haste then ! — great bungings come from 
the bung-holes of barrels. I too must haste to attend 
to the bottlings in divers places for the revelries. 

Mam. And I too must make speed to collect the 
moneys for the good-bad juices. [Exeunt. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 227 



SCENE X. 

Bar-room in the Notional Hotel, — Landlord behind 
the bar — Loafers tippling. — Enter Celestra. 

Cel. 0, sir ! I pray you that you will not give 

My husband any more liquor. 

May I think 
Your silence gives compliance with my wish ? 
say that you will not I for I can not 
Return without this promise. 

Land. Go away, 

Woman, nor meddle here with my affairs ! 

Cel. 0, sir! 'tis my affair, and if you think 
That it is not, look on these tattered garments, 
And on this pale emaciated form 
Which has been fed on sorrow till it is 
Sorrow's own image ; — think of my homo 
Now destitute of every earthly comfort, 
Save it be comfort to look on my child 
Clad scantily and hungering for food, 
Without the wherewith to supply its wants — 
Then know that all this misery has come 



228 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

By the destructive liquor which is here 
Exchanged for all my husband's scanty means. 
So deeply in my soul my sorrow lies 

I can not weep, or tears would flow amain : 
0, could I weep my sorrows from my eyes, 

My tears would flood the world and drown 't again. 
Sir, will you grant me my request ? 

Land. No ; no. 

To my own business only, I attend ! 
We all are subject to misfortune, so 
Annoy us here no more ; there is the door. 

Cel. I know 't is there, and I will not disturb it. 

Land. Begone, I tell you ; — 'tis no place for you 
Here in this bar-room; so, I say, begone! 

Cel. I will not go until you promise me 
That you will give my husband no more liquor. 

Land. 0, ho ! you want me to assist you then, 
To make your exit from this bar-room quick. 

[Advances toward her. 

.Cel. Beware, sir, touch me not, — there's danger 
in me! 
If you advance I '11 tear you all to pieces ! 

Land. [Shrinking'] 0, yes, I see now that you are 
a beast, 
And now I see the devil in your eyes. 
This is no place for beasts, so go away. 



ImJSim 




Beware, sir, touch me not,— there 's danger in me! 
If you advance I '11 tear you all to pieces ! 

Page 228. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 229 

Cel. No place for beasts ? Have I not read the 
sign— 
Entertainment for man and beast — 

Land. Then go into the stable ; that 's the place 
We keep the beasts in, — go into the stable ! 

Cel. Ha ! who are you ? Whence your authority 
That gives its utterance in such command ? 
No doubt you give such order to the beasts 
You make of men with these vile liquors here. 
0, I know who you are — and now my eyes 
Are quick compelled to weeping ! 

Land. Yes, they are, 

And so your sorrows will be wept away. 

Cel. If now these tears flowed forth from sorrow's 
depths, 
They might give me relief, but they do not. 

Land. Why do you weep then, if 'tis no relief ? 

Cel. My eyes do pain me, therefore I do weep. 

Land. 0, do they so ? Well, I know why it is, — 
It is from looking into others' business. 

Cel. There is a devil in my eyes, Oh ! Oh ! 
And that's the reason they do pain me so. 

Land. Ha ! that I told you, which you have con- 
fessed. 
I knew I saw the devil in your eyes. 

Cel. How faithful are the mirrors of my eyes 



230 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

That you can look in them and see the devil ; 
For they reflect the image of yourself! 
0, 1 know who you are ! you are the devil — 
That is according to your own confession ; 
And well your deeds approve it : I will not 
Pray to the devil, no ; no favors will I ask 
Of you ; for you are from the nether deep. 
I will go home and say I 've seen the devil, 
Who tempts the world still with the evil fruit ! 

[Exit. 
Land. Ha ! I would rather be the devil really, so 
I could keep all the women in such fear of me that I 
should get rid of their annoyances ; yet, I have now 
got so used to their winnings that all the feminine 
prayers and tears in this world shall not work against 
this liquor business that pays so well. I have made 
a great deal of money out of Legree ; Why, he would 
spend money in treating as if it grew in his way ; 
and now, though it is scarce with him, I know that 
what he gets will come into my hands, though his 
family starve ! — but it matters not to me where he 
gets his money, — when it is mine, it is all the same. 
He will be able to endure a great deal of liquor yet ; 
for he has a big arm, and firm gait when he is sober. 
Heigh ! money makes the mare to go. [Exit, 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 231 



SCENE XL 
In Legree's House. — Enter Celestra and Child. 

Child. Ma, give me bread — ma, give me bread! 

Cel. Sleep yet a little longer, my dear child, 
Until your papa come and bring us bread. 

[Child sleeps. 
Oh ! why does he delay to bring us food, 
That we with cold and hunger may not die ? 
I would have gone myself to purchase bread, 
But maladies have fastened on my frame, 
Brought to me by my many miseries ; 
Therefore, some little money, I had earned 
By toils severe, I did intrust him with, 
Exhorting scrupulous expenditure 
For our immediate necessities : 
But no return comes to supply our wants ! 
Nor need I wonder why : too well I know 
He hath been waylaid by his appetite 
For the destroying beverage of hell ! 
And it seems, therefore, death awaits us here 



232 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

By cold and hunger, ere the night withdraw 

To let another day awake the world. 

Before the morrow dawn, my child will sleep 

A sleep so deep, no dreams of agonies 

From piercing want, will then disturb its rest ! 

Then will I rather leave this painful world ; 

For now my life is living on itself — 

It feeds on this emaciated form ! 

To die is but to leave this famished clay, 

And live upon bread of Eternal Life ! 

Yet why may I not live the during while 

Allotted for the habitants of earth, 

And feel the happiness the world affords 

To those respected by its partial favor ? 

But I must live on miseries awhile, 

And, living on them, I shall starve to death ! 

Is this the fate that must attend my life ? 

Inexorable Fate ! I would be free 

From thy dread power. Oh ! why was the earth 

Made to possess a little happiness, 

Alluring mortals into misery ? 

Oh ! why was ever such a thing as love ? 

Oh ! why the pleasures of association ? 

Oh ! why one moment of domestic peace 

To give enjoyment, to be pricked so deep 

With thorns of sorrow, expectations failed, 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 233 

And hopes all blasted to imbittered woes, 

That the whole soul must ache ? — And still I love— 

I love Simon Legree ; for 'tis not he — 

It is an accident — that tortures me 

And my dear child with cold and hunger now, 

Through his neglect that leaves us destitute 

Of what to comfort would administer, 

While he provides sole for his appetite 

Perverted to the thirst for liquid fire ! 

Oh ! why should appetite be so depraved, 

That one should drink down fire into the soul, 

To burn it to a wreck ? Ah ! there can be 

No other wreck so direful in creation, 

As that of the Creator's greatest work. 

My husband ! — the first time I uttered it, 

The fond appellative, upon my tongue, 

Thrilled happily my soul ! still sweet, yet bitter 

In this sad circumstance where wretched want 

Accompanies the way of life thus drear — 

And ruin follows on his habitude ! 

Child. [Awaking.] Ma, give me bread ! 

Cel. My child, I have no bread ! 

Child. Ma, give me bread — ma, give me bread! 

Cel. I have no bread, my child ; I have no bread ! 

Child. I am cold, mother — I am cold! 

Cel. I know thou art, my child ; yet I have not 



234 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

The wherewithal to clothe thee, nor obtain 
Protection from these rude and chilly winds 
That enter through the broken window here. 
Be patient yet a little longer, child — 
Then will the journey of our life be ended, 
And we will leave this world to dwell in heaven. 

Child. Is there bread in heaven, mother ? 

Cel. There we will never want for bread of life ! 

Child. Will it be warm in heaven, mother ? 

Cel. There we will never suffer with the cold ; 
For it will be warm there. 

Child. I wish to be in heaven, mother ? 

Cel. My child, we soon will be in heaven, 
Where wants will never come. [Child sleeps. 

Enter Legree. 

Leg. I say, old woman, where is that money that 
you spun for ? I want. it. 

Cel. I have it not ; I gave you all I had 
Some time ago, for you to purchase bread 
To nourish my sick frame and this dear child, 
But you forgot to do so, I suppose ; 
For your return has been delayed till now, 
And I perceive that you have brought no bread ! 

Leg. I say, woman, 'tis no use complaining : I want 
the money, if there is any. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 235 

Cel. If there be any here, I know it not. 
I too have wants that must soon be supplied, 
Or else this child and I shall leave this world ; 
For cold and hunger prey upon our lives ! 

Leg. Nonsense! I say, old woman, I know you 
too well. There 's no danger o' your dyin' : I 've 
lived with ye long enough to know ye couldn't be 
froze nor starved. Ye 're tougher 'n a b'iled owl, or 
I'd a' got rid o' ye long ago. 

Cel. If that can be your wish, then strike me dead, 
So you may have the comfort of my absence. 

Leg. No, I won't ; for if ye be most froze and 
starved, ye will die soon without my killing ye. I 
was near being hanged once, because it was said that I 
killed a man. So I will see ye die, but I will not 
kill ye. 

Cel. No, not with blows, and yet will you with 
words 
Tormenting, drive my spirit forth to seek 
A better place to dwell in than this world, 
Which seems to me so much like dreadful hell ! — 
Yet there 's no fire here, nor smell of sulphur, 
And all is cold : therefore this is not hell ! 
And thou art not the devil ! Why dost thou then 
Strive to torment me so ? Oh ! why art thou 
Less friendly than these broken windows are, 



236 - THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Through which the pointed shafts of frozen winds 
My hither ward, and pierce me through and through ? 
But now thy words are ruder in attack, 
Whereby they fall like lightning on my soul, 
To drive it forth from this fast-failing temple ! 
My child, my child — oh! it is cold in death! — 
Yet this was but its mortal tenement, 
"Whose habitant, immortal, now has gone 
To bask in the eternal light of heaven ! 
And there will cold and hunger never come. 
0, 1 will follow thee, beloved child ! — 
My soul goes forth upon my sighing breath, 
To happy realms beyond the gate of death ! [Dies. 
Leg. 0, 1 understand ye ! Playing possum again, 
ha ? Tryin' to make me think ye are dead, as ye did 
once when I kicked ye, and ye turned pale, and pre- 
tended to faint ; but ye got over it again, and so ye 
will this time. — Well, you do look like a dead per- 
son, that 's a fact ! Speak, wife ! where is the rest 

of — where is Will you have some bread, wife ? 

Wake up, wife! I want you to tell me something. — 
She does not move. Really, I believe she is dead ; 
and this child, too — is dead! What strange feeling 

is this that now possesses me ? 

Who am I ? or whence comes this sudden change, 
That startles me with the realities 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 237 

Of my afflictive errors that have thrived 
On yielding appetite, whence my affections 
Were so estranged, that, with my cruelties, 
Celestra I have driven from this earth, 
And the sole child that had so base a father ! 
Celestra, come back to this world again ! — 
my Celestra, come, and I will love you ! 
For I did love you once, though since, that flame 
Seemed quenched entirely by the beverage 
Which is hell's mischievous material fire, 
That burns the soul with everlasting flame ! 
Celestra, I did love you once ; though since, 
That flame of love burned low and almost out, 
Or quite extinguished, yet some latent sparks 
Still lingered in my heart, which blaze again 
Now thou art gone from me. Oh ! gone for ever! 
Now thy perfections show thou art an angel, 
And I am startled into apprehension 
Of the realities of what I am — 
Fast sinking through the earth to dreadful hell ! 
my Celestra, I have murdered thee 
And our sole child, with harshest cruelties ! 
Yet, ere I murdered thee, myself I murdered, 
And by that crime became an instrument 
To torture thee till thou hast left the world ! 
Will Heaven forgive my crimes so multiplied ? 



238 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

In this denied temple of my soul 

There is no faith which can look up to Heaven ; 

For Heaven hath this decreed : " No drunkard shall 

Enter the realms of bliss !" Therefore I know 

That I shall never more see my Celestra ! 

And yet I do her wrong to call her mine ; 

For death has now annulled that claim — 0, no ! 

Not death : the wrongs which I had done to her, 

Long since had set aside my claim to one 

Who ought to dwell in heaven — not with me. 

Oh ! why do now these truths break on my soul, 

To show how low the depth where I have fallen ? 

For, knowing of my aggravated deeds, 

Will never make Celestra mine again — 

To feel my baseness, will not raise the dead ! 

Then why should I not drain the cup again, 

And drown my sorrows in forgetfulness ? 

And then I shall not know how vile I am. 

No : if I have the power to refrain, 

I rather will live on in punishment, 

Than make addition to my degradation. 

Yet from such punishment may I not flee ? 

Although I can not wander from myself, 

That I may thus get farther from remorse, 

Yet I will follow to their burial, 

Celestra and my child, and not return 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 239 

Then to this home — oh ! it is desolate ! — 
And I will rather wander o'er the earth, 
And so forget that once I had a home 
And a companion who was such an angel : 
Or, if I ever must remember this, 
Then let the flaming armory of storms — 
Jove's thunderbolts in missive fire — attend 
The utter embassy to minister 
Upon me torments ! — or else let me starve 
In fire or ice, with dainties in the reach 
Of my stern-gazing eyeballs ! but let not 
Conscience be my tormentor ! Celestra ! — 

But my strength fails. Is not this all a dream? 

If not, then is it not miraculous 

That I should feel the love of temperate youth 

Burning again the moment she is gone 

Into the high and happy realms beyond 

The influence of unavailing love ? 

The portals of my eyes are now weighed down 

With an oppression reaching to my spirit, 

And I would fain sleep off this heaviness, 

If dreadful dreams would not affright my soul ! 

Dreams or no dreams, perforce I can not choose : 

Where shall I lie, save by this lifeless body ? 

[Lies down by Celestra. 



240 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

Enter Baccho and Imp. 

Bac. [To Legree.] I gave thee not that spell, 
which makes thee condemn the good juices. I will 
take all the anti-imbibing disposition out of thee. — 
Go, Imp, quick to the estuary not far, and bring to 
me a reed hither. 

Imp. I am Beelzebub's servant — not thine. 

Bac. Beelzebub will smite thee with thunders if 
thou do not assist me. 

Imp. Oh ! oh ! I will get thee a reed. [Exit. 

Bac. Imp, that little devil, is notional at times, 
and likes not to obey when I command. Really, he 
ought to know, and he will yet learn, that I have 
more influence on this world than all the other devils. 
[ Takes a flask from Legree's pocket. ~] Empty, ha ? 
"Well, I will quick effect the filling of it. [He fills it 
by conjuration.'] There, that will make thy appetite 
rejoice when thou dost taste it ! [Places it back in 
Legree's pocket.] 

Enter Imp, with a reed. 
Imp. Here is the reed, 
A tube indeed ; 
And if you ever knew it, 
I could blow a hurricane through it ! 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 241 

Bac. Do not that ; for the reed being crooked, the 
hurricane would form whirlwinds, traversing the whole 
wide earth : and the danger would be, that thereby- 
all distilleries would be, in fragments, scattered afar. 

Imp. 0, then, I will not blow a tempest ! — but this 
reed is well fitted for tunes. [Baccho takes the reed."] 
I breathed music through it on my way hither. Did 
ye not hear it rolling along on the breeze ? 

Bac. I heard it not. What kind of music was it ? 

Imp. 0, it must have been crooked music, that it 
took a wry course, and did not come to ye ; therefore 
ye could not hear it ! 

Bac. Beware thy wind, lest it should do thee harm. 
— And now, reed ! grown for other purpose than 
that of giving passages of music, I will make exceed- 
ingly good use of thee. [Places the reed to Legree's 
ear, and chants through it\ : — 

0, whisky is the goodly juice 

To banish care, 

And health repair : 
It has been made for mortals' use, 
And leaves for ills no more excuse 
Upon this world, or anywhere. 

It cools the hot and warms the cold, 

And drives all pain 
11 



242 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

From earth amain : 
It never lets a man grow old, 
Nor half its blessings can be told— 
The cup, then, let him ever drain ! 

It oils the wheels of lazy life, 
And makes all gay 
Both night and day 

There, this reed is split ! 

Imp. Verily, it is because those big lies could not 
pass through at the joints. 

Bac*. Hush ! What if he were to awake, and hear 
thee call them lies? — for, whatever they be, they 
shall be palatable truths to Legree. There — he 
awakes ! — let us be invisible. [Legree awakes. 

Leg. That was a queer dream I had. I begin to 
feel thirsty while thinking of it; but there's no use 
of being thirsty when my flask is empty, and no pros- 
pect of its being filled. [ Takes out his flask.] Why, 
it is full now : I thought I had drunk it dry — dry as 
I be — but it seems I didn't; else, how could it be 
full now ? [Drinks and sings'] : — 

0, whisky is the goodly juice 
To banish care, 
And health repair : 



i 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 243 

It has been made for mortals' use, 
And leaves for ills no more excuse 
Upon this world, or anywhere. 

It cools the hot and warms the cold, 

And drives all pain 

From earth amain : 
It never lets a man grow old, 
Nor half its blessings can be told — 
The cup, then, I will ever drain ! 

It oils the wheels of lazy life, 
And makes all gay 
Both night and day 

Why, I 've forgot the rest, or else that is all of it. 
Bac. And makes one happy when his wife 

Is dead : nor knows, when plagues are rife, 
That any ever cross his way ! 

Leg. What's that? Who is that speaking, and 
where is he ? [Looks all above and around ; then puts 
his ear to the bottle, and listens.] I hear a noise : I 
believe there be devils in this bottle ! [Examines it 
carefully at the light ; and Imp and Baccho, getting 
in range, are discovered to him through the flask.] 
Oh ! there be devils in this flask — devils ! — 
I will never touch the bottle again ! [ Throws it away, 
and exeunt. — Tlmnders and lightnings. 



244 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



SCENE xn. 

On a Flat-boat at the Landing at Cincinnati. — 
Enter Pilot. 

Pilot. I have only Stokes with me, and I need an- 
other hand to help run this boat; for there are 
many snags down in the Mississippi. Yonder comes a 
man from the boat just above, and I '11 bet a treat 
he wishes to engage a trip. I will pretend that I do 
not care for more help and so get him cheap, if he 
wishes to hire. I know they want no more help on 
the boat above. 

Enter Legree. 

Leg. Are you the pilot of this boat ? 

Pilot. I am. 

Leg. Do you want to engage a hand to go down 
the river ? 

Pilot. No, I believe not ; perhaps you can engage 
to go on the boat above. 

Leg. No ; I have just been there; — they are sup- 
plied with help : How much will you give me to go 
down with you ? 

Pilot. If I were in want of a hand, I would pay 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 245 

you aiair price ; but, under the circumstances, the 
price which I should offer you, would be so little, that 
you would have as much reason to be offended, as I 
to expect that you would accept my offer ; but if you 
desire to go very much, you can set a price on your 
labor, and if it be low enough to suit my convenience, 
I will hire you for accommodation. 

Leg. I am travelling westward — southward — 
most any direction it happens, and I am not particu- 
lar about the price. I will go down with you for ten 
dollars. 

Pilot. Why, a man who wishes to travel and see 
his friends, will go with me for half that amount. 

Leg. Friends — friends! — If I had friends,. I 
would not be here ; I would not have gone so far from 
home ; — Home, — I have no home ! 

Pilot. Why, most people have both home and 
friends ; yet some who deserve both, may be so un- 
fortunate as to have neither. 

Leg. I had a home when I had a wife, and she was 
my friend; but she is dead! I had a child too, — it 
is dead ! I will go down with you for five dollars. 

Pilot. Well, you may consider yourself hired. 
Will you take a drink ? 

Leg. No, I think not ; I determined not to drink 
any more. 



246 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Pilot. Ho, nonsense ! you had better take a little, 
—just enough to forget that your wife and child are 
dead ; you will find a friend in liquor. 

Leg. Why, then, I might forget too that I wish to 
go down the river. 
Enter Baccho, and he waves a wand over Legree. 

Pilot. Never mind, I have got an article aboard 
as good as ever rinsed the cobwebs down a man's 
throat. Halloo, Stokes ! 

Stokes. I Within.'] Halloo yourself! what d'ye 
want ? 

Pilot. Bring up that flask of the good O-be-joy- 

ful. 

Enter Stokes. 

Sto. Here it is, — the repose of weariness, the 
comfort of sorrow, and the essence of jollity. 

Pilot. And the consolation of this world where 
we poor mortals dwell. Stranger, what may I call 
your name ? 

Leg. My name is Legree. 

Pilot. Well, Mr. Legree, this will give you joy. 
Take a swig. 

Leg. Here is luck for you. [ Drinks."] 

Pilot. And here is your health, Mr. Legree, and 
the hope that we will have favorable winds which 
make light work for boatmen. [Drinks.'] 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 247 

Sto. And here is the hope that, if we should strike 
a snag and sink, all the barrels aboard will bu'st, so 
that we will drown decently in liquor instead of the 
muddy Mississippi. [Drinks. ~\ [Exit baccho. 

Pilot. All ready. Loose the cable from the shore 
— take in the cable. Row out the forward end, — 
left forward. All right : here we go. 
Pilot and Stokes. [Singing'.'] 
" Heigh-o, the boatmen row 
'Way down the river on the O-hi-o. 
Heigh-o, the boatmen row 
'Way down the river on the O-hi-o. 
Boatmen dance ; boatmen sing ; 
Boatmen up to any thing: 
Boatmen dance ; boatmen sing ; 
Boatmen up to any thing." 

[ The boat moves away. 



248 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



scene xm. 

A Forest in Mississippi. — Enter several Land- 
Pirates. 

2d Pm. Are you sure that nearly all the cargo of 
that flat-boat is sold ; for really I do n't like to kill a 
man without the prospect of getting a good sum of 
money ? 

1st Pir. Sure of it ? Why, can 't I see ? I was 
aboard to-day, and there were only a few barrels 
left, and at first there must have been a thousand. 

2d Pir. It gives me fear to kill a man, but we will 
have to dispatch them : When the eye of desire is 
looking for gold, the eye of conscience winks at the 
deed that gets it. 

1st Pir. Of course we will dispatch them ; " The 
dead tell no tales," and what is it to kill a man even 
though the reward for it should be little ? — Accidents 
kill men, and why may not a dagger ? 

2d Pir. Why, then, only because a dagger is not 
an accident. 

1st Pir. Well, if it takes the place of one, it is 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 249 

all the same : furthermore, there is that in this flask 
which will banish all fears and remorses,— a friend, 
by the aid of which, I have many times taken the 
life of a man for but a little money : Here, take an- 
other swig : I think you need a little more prepara- 
tion for the dangerous part of the business we follow. 
[Second Pirate drinks.'] There, now. How do you 
feel ? — where now is your conscience? 

2d Pir. It is gone, and the liquor has taken its 
place. I could kill a hundred men ; I hope there be 
a hundred aboard that boat ; be there not a hundred ? 

1st Pir. No ; not a hundred ; there be only three, 
— all red-nosed fellows though, and one of them 
big and burly, who, no doubt, would show hard fight 
if we should awake him in this world ; but we must 
take care for that, and dispatch them all so that they 
shall awake only in another world ! 

2d Pir. I care not to think of another world, if I 
am ever to go there — unless there be plenty of money 
and whisky in it. 

1st Pir. Why, we be in this world now, and we 

have nothing to think of but the affairs of it. I 

think it is time now that the boatmen be asleep. Let 

us proceed on the scent of money. [Exeunt, 

11* 



250 THE DEAMA OF EARTH. 



SCENE XIV. 

On a Flat-boat landed at the shore of the Mississippi 
River, far down. — Enter Pilot, Legree, and 

Stokes. 

Sto. Well, Pilot, how did you like that one-horse 
town? 

Pilot. I liked the town well enough, — but I know 
not why you call it a one-horse town. 

Sto. 0, 1 see ! Liquor dealers generally estimate 
the size of a town by the number of red noses they 
see in it. 

Pilot. Whether it be large or small, is not now 
my care : I did not like the looks of those men who 
came aboard to-day. 

Sto. 0, 1 reckon you think they be ruffians that 
have danger in them ; but I fear them not half so 
much as I fear these musketoes that now make battle 
and take from me my very life-blood in spite of me. 

Pilot. It is the whisky in you which they are 
after ; you should not drink quite so much of it, but, 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 251 

to be relieved of them, you may both go to your 
births, and while you sleep, each of you, keep an ear 
directed upward, and if I should call you, listen to 
me instead of the snoring that you will make — then 
get you up quickly and come forth with your weapons 
in readiness, as if you expected to fight panthers ; for 
dangerous animals sometimes visit flat-boats. 

Sto. We will, sir ; come, Legree, let's take a 
snooze. 

Leg. A snooze is a good thing at this time, but a 
swig is at any time better than a snooze. 

Sto. I know it is, for it is a truth so true that I can 
even smell it by merely putting my nostril to the 
mouth of this flask. [ They drink and exeunt. 

Pilot. I would like to drink too, but the presenti- 
ment which I have, that all is not safe hereabout, 
gives me a kind of fear that somewhat takes away my 
appetite for whisky ; but what a fool am I to let ap- 
petite be surrendered to fear ; and what a strange 
thing is fear too, if it be a thing at all; yet it can 
not be touched, nor tasted, nor smelt ; therefore I think 
it be nothing, — or nothing more than the vapidity 
of the brain from the want of fumes of whisky, which, 
when it is drank, is changed into the genuine spirit 
of a man. 0, 1 know what fear is — it is the want 
of whisky fumes in the brain ! so I '11 take a little 



252 THE DRAMA OP EARTH, 

swig, though I have no appetite for it, then will my 
fear be gone and my appetite be come. [Drinks.'] 
Now my fear is gone so I think I would n't be afeard 
even of the devil, if he should appear to me now 
with his cloven feet, and crooked horns, and long, 
barbed tail, and eyes of fire, and brimstone smoke 
coming out of his nostrils — no ; I wouldn't be afeard 
even of the devil. Ho ! who comes there ? 
Enter several Land-pirates. 

1st Pir. Strike him down — strike him down ! 

Pilot. Ho, Stokes ! Legree ! come here quick. 
Enter Stokes and Legree. 
[The Pirates make attack — all engage in fight 
in which all are killed except Legree. 

Leg. I left alone ? The result of this fight would 
have been good if none but the ruffians had been 
killed ; yet why may it not be better as it is. Ha ! 
The money is now mine, and I '11 have more than five 
dollars for this trip. [ Searches their pockets and 
rolls them overboard.'] The moon is up, I '11 untie the 
cable, and be off with this boat ; and at convenient 
time I will be in possession of a plantation and nig- 
gers somewhere in these lower latitudes^ and then be 
as much a lord as any one that has authority. Heigh- 
ho ! [He unties the cable and the Boat 

moves away. 




O murder ! I am stabbed ! 



Page 253. 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 253 



SCENE XV. 

Bar-room in a Tavern in the South. — Citizens'c?rw&- 
ing at the bar. — St. Clare, reading a paper. 

1st Cit. Come, St. Clare, take a drink. 
St. Clare. Not now ; you must excuse me. 
1st Cit. Not drink with me ? It is true, then, that 
you are now in sympathy with the temperance fanatics, 
and have forgot what is good for colds, and to keep 
the system regulated ? 

St. Clare. It is true that I have been accustomed 
to drink some, but I have resolved to refrain, and I 
shall endeavor to keep my resolution. 

[2d and 3d Citizens drunk and disputing. 
2d Cit. I say it was ! 

3d Cit. I say it was not ! [Strikes him. 

[They fight, and St. Clare, in attempting 

to part them, is stabbed?* 

St. Clare. murder ! I am stabbed ! I shall die 

— die, and leave my business unarranged : I promised 

Tom his liberty ! [He is carried away. 

[Exeunt. 



254 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 



SCENE XVI. 

A Plantation on Red River. — Slaves' Cabin. — En- 
ter Emeline and Cassy. 

Eme. To be a slave — a slave to sucli a beast — to 
such a devil ! Cassy, I can 't endure it ! Can 't 
we get away ? 

Cas. We might try ; but, if we should be caught — 

Eme. What would he do, Cassy ? 

Cas. What would he not do ? I have not told you 
yet that I have heard screams back at the quarters 
that almost make me afraid now to think of ; and 
there is a tree not far away, burnt black, and the 
ground about it covered with ashes ! No one would 
dare tell you what was done there ; but you know how 
poor Tom has suffered — almost killed because he sung 
Christian hymns, and prayed, and because he would 
not practise flogging on me ; and all this for nothing 
but to take the piety out of him, and teach him to be 
such kind of overseer as Sambo and Quimbo. 

Eme. Poor Tom ! It is a wonder that he has so 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 255 

nearly recovered from his wounds ; and if we had not 
carried water to him, and taken good care of him, he 
would have died : yet that would have been better 
than to be a slave to such a master. 

Cas. Something dreadful must happen to Tom yet ; 
for I know he can 't be broke in so that he will give 
up praying and go to flogging ; I know he will never 
do that. Tom has known what it is to have kind 
masters. 

Eme. Yes ; when he was up in old Kentuck, and 
took care of his master Shelby's farm, he had a better 
time. 

Cas. I have heard him speak of it, but I have not 
heard him tell why he was sold, to be sent down here 
in this lower country. 

Eme. His master had to sell him and other of his 
slaves, to pay debts. 

Cas. But if Shelby's slaves all worked as well as 
Tom, I don't see why his master need have been com- 
pelled to sell him. 

Eme. Cassy, I have learned of Tom that wine 
has done all this ! Shelby was a gentleman, but he 
drank, and made bad bargains, and expended too 
much of his money in festivities ; therefore Tom was 
sold to a slave-dealer. 

Cas. Yet he got into the hands of a good master 



256 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

when St. Clare bought him ; and if St. Clare had not 
been taken suddenly out of the world, Tom would not 
now be in the hands of Legree. 

Eme. Yes, St. Clare was a good master — was good 
to Tom — but he was not good to himself; for he got 
into the habit of frequenting the tavern, where he 
drank occasionally : and it was while trying to sepa- 
rate two drunken men fighting, that he was stabbed 
by one of them, and died before he could make out 
Tom's free papers ; for he had promised Tom his lib- 
erty. Oh ! liquor does the greatest mischief to mas- 
ters ; makes them insolvent, and makes them devils 
sometimes, when they drink enough of it. what a 
devil it makes of Legree ! He also gives drink to 
Sambo and Quimbo : no wonder they can do such flog- 
gings, and grin like devils all the time. Cassy, you 
know Massa Legree spends much time at the tavern 
over in town, and you know how he drinks and ca- 
rouses ; and I tell you that all his property — niggers, 
plantation, and all — will be sold sometime to pay his 
debts. This plantation is going to ruin now in his 
hands. 

Cas. Emeline, I see it is drink that causes our 
great troubles: drink makes masters squander the 
property they get by their slaves ; drink makes them 
devils sometimes. Yet I drink ; yes, Emeline, I drink 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 257 

brandy whenever I can get it. It makes me forget 
that I have been sold away from the husband that I 
loved and who loved me, and that I have got a mas- 
ter now who is a very devil ! 

Eme. Mother used to tell me never to drink any 
of the bad liquors ; she said it had been the cause of 
the most of her troubles. 

Cas. I know it is a bad thing, yet I'd rather be 
drunk all the time while I am a slave to Legree — 
would n't you ? 

Eme. Cassy ! let us runaway, and end our mise- 
ries some other way than by drinking brandy. Even 
if we should be caught, and flogged or burned to death, 
it would be better than to be a slave to a devil ! 

Cas. We will try to escape ; and if we get away 
safely beyond his reach, then I will be happy, and 
drink no more. 

Eme. Heaven help us ! Let us prepare our bun- 
dles and go immediately. Let me direct, for I think 
I know the course best. {Exeunt. 



258 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



SCENE XVII. 

In a Bar-room. — Enter Landlord, Smollick, Jack, 
and Qxjimbo. 

Land. [Filling jugs. ~\ Then your master's gals 
Cassy and Emeline have really run away ? 

Quim. Yes, Mas'r, 30 run away, and we are going to 
have a hunt for them : the planters about are going 
to join us, and the brandy is for the company ; so we 
will have a jolly time. 

Land. If you catch them, what will you do to them ? 

Quim. Don't know: we will do what Mas'r Legree 
tells us ; I reckon they will fare hard. Mas'r Legree 
wants your honor and Smollick to join in the hunt. 

Land. Tell your master we will take pleasure in 
that. 

Smol. Yes, we will, and he may expect us soon. 

[Exit Quimbo, with two jugs of brandy. 

Land. What a good supply of brandy he has got 
for the occasion ! Legree is the right kind of a man, 
and it is a pleasure to assist him on such occasions. 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 259 

Smol. Yes, he is a real good fellow, and we will 
have a regular spree : he don't mind spending money 
for the good of himself and friends. We have had a 
great many jolly good sprees here at his expense, al- 
though he is like the devil sometimes when he has 
got a good quantity of brandy in him. I reckon he 
has got a good supply of that article to help us 
through the swamps, over logs, through bushes, over 
quagmires. Come, let us go : my appetite tells me it 
is time for the hunt to begin. 

Land. Come on. We will take our guns along. — 
Jack, attend the bar, and keep all things right. 

[Exeunt, 



SCENE XVIH. 
A Plantation on Red River. — Enter Legree and 

QUIMBO. 

Leg. We have hunted long enough in the swamps 
for the runaway gals without finding them. That 
cussed Tom is at the bottom of this affair — I know 
he is. Go, Quimbo, and bring him here quickly : he 
shall tell all he knows about it, though I have to roast 
him. [Exit Quimbo.] That cussed Tom, ha! he 



260 THE DEAMA OP EARTH. 

was so mighty pious that he wouldn't whip the gal 
Cassy when I ordered him to do it — a queer begin- 
ning for a nigger that I thought to make an overseer 
of. And what pious excuses ! — " Ain't used to flog- 
ging ; never did, and can't do it no way." I wonder 
what he did up in old Kentuck when he was overseer 
there as he told me he had been ? There is a smart 
chance of things for him to learn yet, and he shall 
learn them all, though his bones be broken in learn- 
ing them. " Willing to do work, but not flogging." 
Ha ! I '11 let him know that flogging is work, when I 
tell him to do it. I reckon, though, that his piety is 
about gone now, after the flogging which I gave him, 
and which Sambo and Quimbo gave him when I gave 
him over to them to break him in. Sambo and Quim- 
bo can do flogging — they like to do it — and to flog 
Tom is especial fun for them ; for they know I pur- 
chased him for an overseer, and therefore they hate 
him. A slave tell me he don't think it right to do 
what I tell him ! Ha ! I '11 see whether he will think 
it right to tell me where the gals Cassy and Emeline 
have gone. [Drinks from his flask. 

Enter Quimbo, with Tom. 

Well, Tom, I've determined to kill you, unless you 
tell me where the runaway gals are : so speak quick ! 

Uncle Tom. I don't know, mas'r. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 261 

Leg. Ye don't know, eh? Well, I'll make you 
know ; so take that, and that ! 

I Strikes him on the head with the butt-end of a 
loaded whip-stock. Tom staggers and falls. 

Uncle Tom. Lord, my heavenly Master, take my 
spirit home, where the wicked cease from troubling 
and the weary are at rest ! [Dies. 

Leg. More Bible, eh ? but I reckon ye are done 
kicked the bucket now. — Well, I don't want pious 
niggers on my plantation. All my niggers have got 
to acknowledge me as their only master. — Take him 
away, Quimbo ; and if he does not breathe again, put 
him into the ground. [Exeunt. 



262 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 



SCENE XIX. 

A Forest in America. — Enter Beelzebub, meeting 
Diabolos, Mammon, Imp, and Baccho. 

Diab. Hail, great Beelzebub ! I come again 
And offer now more tidings of success. 

Beel. All hail , Diabolos ! I wait to hear. 

Diab. You did advise, 'tis done accordingly: — 
Legree is victim of vile essences 
Adulterated vilest, and the acts 
Which I have instigated him to do 
By such means, are already known afar, 
I have no doubt. The wind sighs audibly, 
And sympathy for those who felt his power 
Begins sad movement ! 

Beel. This I have observed 

And know thy part exceedingly well done, 
In causing such occurrence, and as much 
As possible, that sympathy shall be 
Compounded with the vilest essences 
And thus occasion more advantages. 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 263 

Diab. I am not well assured how that may be ; 
For in the latitudes north of the line 
That makes division, those who sympathize 
Most with the slave, if I do not mistake, 
Are generally those who do not give 
Favor to prevalence of vilest drinks. 

Beel. To that consideration I accede, 
Yet circumstances otherwhere are not 
The same, especially in Albion ; 
For there we may commingle sympathy 
With drinks, and loud will be the people's shouts 
To swell the voice 'gainst slavery in the west; 
Nor will they recognize themselves as slaves 
More abject on their way down into hell ! 
And even here, as far as possible, 
The question lying 'twixt the north and south 
Shall be to all appearance paramount 
To every other ; so our wiles shall work ; 
And by the bottle we will do anon 
Great injuries ; and yet we will do these 
In such a manner that they shall appear 
To be sole consequence of slavery ; 
And we will then be able so to stir 
The waters of the pool political, 
As to divide the Union ! then our sway 
By vilest liquors will increase so vast 



264 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

That ruin shall receive this nation — fallen ! 
For when this Union fails, ha ! then fails all 
Its harmony — its peace ; and then will strife 
Find brother watching brother far estranged, 
Nor will he see whence comes the greatest harm 
That can befall a soul immortal ! Ha ! 
Then will succeed best opportunities 
Of wiles, and triumph be anon complete ; 
For then will come on earth a darker age 
Than any that has ever palled it yet ! 
Now let your way direct to Albion, 
To mingle drink with sympathy for slaves ! 
Go forth, and do your mighty acts ; for there 
Great mischief waits your thither way in haste. 

[Exit Beelzebub. 

Diab. Ha ! what an instrument the bottle is, 
We will divide the Union with the bottle. 

Mam. I will do service there by mixing drinks, 
And medicating them in various ways, 
And so my fortunes vastly will increase. 

Imp. I will get the medicines and do thee great 
assistance. 

Bac. And I will make good use of the mixtures : 
I will have great revelings among the red-noses and 
beer-heads, and the very thinking of it excites mo 
comfortably. Oftentimes I have had feasts, to which 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 265 

thousands gathered into one imbibing contiguity, and 
then the revelings and fightings that belonged to the 
occasion, were real ! — not imaginary. 31 [Exeunt. 



SCENE XX. 



A Country in England. — Enter Diabolos and 
Mammon. 

Diab. Now on the continent across the sea 
Murmurs arise against oppression of 
The Ethiop slave as instanced in the power 
Legree did exercise at our control: — 
Mammon, hast thou as yet arranged affairs 
For the approaching opportunities. 

Mam. I have, and shortly will proceed to work 
Their full accomplishment. 

Diab. "What hast thou done ? 

Mam. I have given order for a million labels, 
And sent Imp to bring hither articles 
For great adulteration of the drinks 
That bring me many fortunes. 

Diab. Very well — 

What are the labels for ? what kind of labels ? 

Mam. Labels to make men's eyes so prominent 
12 



266 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

That jugs can be hung on them really — 
Labels for bottles and of many kinds, 
Which read " Uncle Tom Beer, Uncle Tom Gin, 
Uncle Tom Wine, Uncle Tom Cogniac, 
Uncle Tom Gullet-washer, Uncle Tom 
Invigorator," and great many kinds. 32 

Diab. No doubt thy profits will be very great. 

Mam. 0, certainly ; for Uncle Tom, you know, 
Was really a saint, and Englishmen, 
Drinking the liquor in the labeled bottles, 
Will think it fills them with divinity ! 

Diab. Ha ! well thou canst attend to these affairs, 
And I will be among the multitudes, 
At times convenient, gouging eyes, stabbing, 
Shooting, and doing many spiteful tricks. 
Meanwhile I will attend the workshops, where 
I thrash the ragged urchins till they smell 
Infernal power and answer with a yell. 33 

[Exit Diabolos. 

Mam. 'Tis my desire that Imp make quick return 
With medicines with which I doctor beer 
And other liquors of vile quality, 
And make them viler in a vast degree. 
There are physicians that in studied practice 
Cure some diseases by creating others 
Of more malignant stamp, and such am I, 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 267 

Well skilled in my profession. Now I see 
That Imp has come with medicines for me. 

Enter Imp. 

Imp. Medicines not for thee, but for the beer. 

Mam. ho ! it is all the same. 

Imp. Have these medicines the proper smell ? 

Mam. They smell of the mineral, the vegetable, 
And the animal kingdoms. 

Imp. From those kingdoms I have brought them 
according to thy direction, thou notable doctor, thou 
skillful doctor. 

Mam. Thou knowest well, I am a skillful doctor. 

Imp. Ay, thou dost cure all diseases of beer and 
viler liquors, therefore I know, thou art a skillful 
doctor. I know the cause of the ailings of mankind, 
but the cause of the ailings of beer, I know little of. 

Mam. Then tell of that only which thou knowest : 
What is the cause of men's ailings ? 

Imp. 0, beer — beer of that special quality re- 
covered from disease with lese medicines by thy em- 
piricism, destroys the ne vous vitality that there be 
not enough strength in the system to oppose the in- 
trusion of gouts, colics, cramps, gripings, rheuma- 
tisms, neuralgias, dyspepsias, apoplexies, and many 
others set down in the familiar nosology : it also 



268 THE DKAMA OP EARTH. 

fumes away the sensible of the mind and leaves there 
all the crude and the splenetic ; but the cause of the 
indisposition of beer, tell me, Mammon, that verity 
may respond to my apprehension. 

Mam. No mystery at all : a large quantity of 
beer made of little malt and hops, or strong beer 
mixed with water — that kind of beer which will not 
command sale for one diminutive piece of the red 
metal, is diseased. 

Imp. If it would command ready sale, would it 
then be diseased ? 

Mam. no — no ! 

Imp. Then the disease must be in the wills of the 
drinkers. 

Mam. No ; for if it were, recovery would come by 
medicating their wills, but I medicate the beer and 
so recover it from its indisposition for sale ; therefore 
the disease is in the beer. 

Imp. It must have many diseases to require such 
large variety of medicines as I have brought here at 
your direction. 

Mam. It hath many, and each of such malignant 
character that it requires several qualities of medicine 
for its cure. Those diseases are all wants: one is 
the want of alcohol ; another the want of bitterness ; 
another the want of pungency ; another the want of 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 269 

muddiness ; another the want of age; another the 
want of astringency ; another the want of froth : I 
cure them all. 

Imp. Then thou art a cure-all, a panacea. 
Panacea ! I thought that the beer had only one 
disease, — the want of sale. 

Mam. Ay, that is the stage to which all the others 
tend and prove mortal, unless these remedies be ap- 
plied : What hast thou here ? 

Imp. All that thou didst tell me to bring : this is 
treacle ; this is alum ; this is coriander ; this is cara- 
way ; this is henbane ; this is vitriol ; this is St. Ig- 
natius bean ; this is opium ; this is cocculus indicus, 
this is Bohemia rosemary ; this is wormwood ; this is 
aloes ; this is quassia ; this is gentian ; this is fish ; 
this is clam-shell : this is potash ; this is lime. 

Mam. All proper medicines for the recovery of 
beer, but the medicines for the good of brandy, and 
gin, and rum, and whisky; hast thou brought the full 
quantity ? 

Imp. Ay, here is oil of vitriol ; oil of cassia ; oil 
of turpentine ; oil of caraways ; oil of juniper ; oil 
of almonds ; sulphuric ether ; extract of capsicums ; 
extract of orris root ; extract of Angelica root ; 
water ; sugar ; saffron ; mace ; terra japonica ; nitre ; 
aqua ammonia. 



270 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Mam. A proper collection, and very good for the 
liquors. 

Imp. And very good-bad for the drinkers, which is 
seen in the quicker effect of making the eyes water, 
and the firing up of their noses, and the causing of 
the tottering in their locomotions. 

Mam. Well, it is all in aid of our government in the 
world. Ha ! here comes Baccho with an anxious look 
which, I have no doubt, has regard for the good-vile 
juices. 

Enter Baccho. 

Bac. Ho, for more of the medicated and the mixed 
liquors ! 

Mam. Thy desires are of such a quality that I re- 
gard them with great favor ; yet is not this country 
full of liquors ? Really, it is my interest to have 
plentiful supply for all contingencies. 

Bac. But see what a commotion is now making 
noise through all this island ; and it is the commotions 
that in this country especially, bring liquor in very 
gi 3at requisition. Uncle Tom, who was a saint and 
hated the good-vile drinks, 34 and who lived across 
the big waters when he lived, and who was killed 
by Legree when he died, is wept for here with a 
kind of sympathy that has no sympathy with the ur- 
chin starvelings of the workshops on this big island, 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 271 

which ought to be surrounded by a great sea of 
real liquor instead of the brine, which is not good 
for drinking at all: And to-night Uncle Tom is 
to be represented at the theatre, and I shall be 
among the audience making applause; and I shall 
give out such an odor of beer and stronger liquors, 
which being smelt, the auditors will quickly forget 
that they have any troubles, such as poverty from the 
intoxicating liquors, the loss of friends from the intoxi- 
cating liquors, and the many that be hanged for what 
they did by the influence of the intoxicating liquors, 
and the many that be starving because of the intoxi- 
cating liquors ; and when they shall have forgotten 
all this, they will shed tears, like crocodiles, over the 
fate of Uncle Tom, who became a victim of our vic- 
tim across the waters ! 

Mam. 0, that be very well, Baccho ! and we are 
making great preparation for medicating and mixing 
the liquors ; and thou hast come at fit time to render 
great assistance by smelling and tasting them, by 
which means, we can have true guide to bring them 
quickly to their full perfection. Come, we will pro- 
ceed to the operation in my laboratory. Very many 
liquors, which shall have proper age and all other 
good qualities, shall be prepared for to-night's drink- 
ing. [Exeunt. 



272 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



SCENE XXI. 

A Gin-shop in London, 35 — Landlord waiting' on Cus- 
tomers. — Enter a Citizen. 

Cit. [Looking at the bottles in the bar.] JJuncle 
Tom beer, eh? iluncle Tom brandy, eh? jBTuncle 
Tom gin, eh ? 

Land. Yes, Aand the best kind of drinks — no mis- 
take. 

Cit. Well, I'll take some of the JTuncle Tom gin. 
It must be good, although hit 'as not 'ad time to /*ac- 
quire the good quality of 7*age ; for hit is something 
new, of course. 

Land. No, you mistake : I got fat direct from Mr. 
Mammon's laboratory, where hit 'as been A undergoing 
the process of h acquiring Aage Aeyer since JHuncle 
Tom was born. 

Cit. Ah! 'asMt? Well, 'ere's to the repose of 
iluncle Tom, and the downfall of American slavery ! 

[Drinks. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 273 

Land. American slavery his a dreadful thing : 'ow 
poor iJuncle Tom suffered Aat the 'ands of 'is cruel 
master ! 

Cit. Cruel, cruel ! — But what his that box for ? 

Land. Read the label, Aand you will see : you Aare 
a generous man. 

Cit. [Reads.'] This box is to receive penny con* 
tributions to put down slavery in the United States. 
It is hoped this worthy object will enlist the co-opera- 
tion of all. Well, I'll put in a penny ; for I 'ave Aas 
much sympathy for the poor slave Aas my Aappetite 
'as for beer, gin, brandy, or whisky. JEZit his a pity 
there his so much suffering h'm the world. 

Land. A great pity ; but Aif Aour greatest grand- 
mother Heve 'ad not Aeaten a forbidden Aapple, the 
world now would Aall be 'appy, Aand there would be 
no slaves //in America, where they Aare most starved, 
scarcely clothed, worked to death, Aand then flogged 
Aentirely to death ! Oh, Ait his 'orrible — 'orrible ! 

Cit. iJuncle Tom is to be represented Am a play 
Aat the Liquor-' all Theatre to-night, and Ait will be 
a first-rate performance, of course. 

Land. Per'aps : Aare you going to Aattend ? 

Cit. Yes, if I 'ave money Aenough. Let me see : 

I 'ave got just a shilling ; that will take me Ain. — 

'Eigh-'o ! 'urra for JEZunclc Tom ! This shilling, which 
12* 



274 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

my wife 'id away, comes 'andy now. What business 
'ad she to 'ide money from me ? .Ham I not lord of 
my wife ? .Hare not the men lord of the women ? 
'As not a man the right to take care of Aall the money 
Aafter they Aare united Ain matrimony ? 

Land. Of course 'e 'as. 

Cit. Of course 'e 'as ! Hare you going to the the- 
atre, landlord ? 

Land. No, I can not go ; I 'ave to remain 'ere to 
Aattend to the wants of my customers ; it will not 
do to neglect them : these Huncle Tom drinks Aare 
fan great demand. 

Cit. Success to the drinks, Aand joy to the drink- 
ers ! I'm for the theatre. 'Urra for Huncle Tom ! 

{Exit Citizen. 

Land. I 'ave no doubt that the play of Huncle Tom 
A at Liquor-' all, will be a good one ; but, Rafter Aall, 
'e might Aas well 'ave remained 'ere Aand spent 'is 
money for Huncle Tom drinks. Keally, 'e Aought to 
know that the A administering to the Aappetite his the 
Aonly way to A obtain real Aenjoyment ; for Ain that 
way h all 'is cares Aand troubles Ain this life would be 
banished, Aand the Aannoyances by the ^importunities 
which I know 'e is Aoften subjected to from the wants 
of 'is wife A and children would not Aaffect 'im Aany 
Aat Aall ! Really, the people Aought to spend Aall 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 275 

their money //at my bar : 'ere 's where they can get 
the worth of their money ! 

Enter a Woman. 

'Ere again, eh ? Well, what d' ye want ? 'Ave n't 
I told you not to come 'ere Aany more? — So get 
//away from 'ere ! 

Woman. Please, sir, I wish to know //if my 'usband 
'as been 'ere. 

Land. Well, 'e 'as, //and 'e 'as gone //away again. 
So, go //away, woman ! 

Woman. Please, sir, where 'as 'e gone ? 

Land. I know not, //and I care not ; nor will I care 
where you go — but begone ! 

Woman. [ Going.'] I wish 'e was //at 'ome ! 
Please, landlord, don't sell my 'usband //any more 
liquor ! 

Land. That's what I Aexpected. No more of your 
/^importunities : I 've been //annoyed enough with 
them! My liquors are my property, //and I'll do 
what I choose with them, without /tasking the //advice 
of a woman. We Aall 'ave to take the world Aas hit 
'appens — so go Aaway, woman! 

[The Woman goes to her home ; and when the bell 
tolls the midnight hour, her Husband is brought 
to her dead, having been killed in a drunken 
figh t ! The Murderer, of course, is to be hanged. 



276 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 



SCENE XXII. 

A Northern City. — Street before the Notional Thea- 
tre. — People entering the Theatre. — Enter the 
Street, two Southerners. — Music within. 

1st South. That is good music. This is a theatre : 
let us go in and see the play. 

2d South. It is the Notional Theatre, and, for spe- 
cial reasons, I will not patronize it. However, let us 
see what the play is. [Reads the bill. ] " Notional 
Theatre. Uncle Tom's Cabin eyery Night! — Un- 
paralleled Success op this Great Moral Drama !" 

1st South. Why, the play must be about Uncle 
Tom, who was killed by his cruel master, Legree. It 
is unfortunate that such a person should ever own a 
slave. 

2d South. It is ; but our system allows it. 

1st South. But there are laws that protect the 
slave from cruelty. 

2d South. True ; yet they give no protection when 
they are not enforced. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 277 

1st South. Public sentiment against the abuse of 
slaves is their great protection. 

2d South. It did not protect Uncle Tom. , 

1st South. But I have learned that Legree's plan- 
tation and slaves have been sold, and that he has left 
the country. Did not public sentiment compel him 
to do so ? 

2d South. No : the same circumstance that had 
taken the property from its former proprietor, took it 
also from Legree. Its former owner had become in- 
solvent from the effects of intemperance, and the prop- 
erty was sold cheap at sheriff's sale, and Legree be- 
came the purchaser. But the tavern in the town 
near by, is the legendary of sad reverses. Legree 
was fond of the intoxicating beverages, and, in no 
mysterious way, his property went from his hands, and 
he himself has gone — I know not where. 

1st South. Legree is an unfortunate — a wretched 
man. 

2d South. He is, indeed. I have learned, from 
one more familiar with him, that there were times 
when a singular feeling would possess him, and he 
would exclaim : " Celestra ! — Is it possible ? — The 
Notional Theatre ! — That fatal drink!" I believe, 
if we were to know more concerning him, we would 
be more inclined to pity than to blame ; and it is pos- 



278 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

sible that the bar-room in this very theatre, may have 
had much to do with his first step to ruin. — The 
crowd has gone in. Let us see what these pictures 
are. [Advancing into the vestibule, and observing 
pictures hanging on the wall.] This picture seems 
to represent Mr. Shelby and Haley drinking and ma- 
king terms about the sale of Uncle Tom. The changes 
of Uncle Tom's fortune are in those glasses of wine ; 
for it was this kind of indulgence which so controlled 
Mr. Shelby's affairs that he was obliged to sell his 
slaves ! Let us depart : we have got too near the 
liquid poison within ; for I smell its offensive odor ! I 
am already sick with a surfeit of curiosity, and have 
no desire to enter. 

1st South. Well, if this is a place, where, for 
money, they make characters like Legree — make 
men beasts ; and then, for money, exhibit their 
beastly actions as curiosities ! I also have no desire 
to enter. [Exeunt. 

Ticket-Seller. [Putting his head through the 
ticket-door and thinking aloud.'] Southern gentle- 
men, eh? "Wal, I don't " keer" whar' a man comes 
from ; if he only pays his quarter he can go in, and 
if he don't, why, he can walk away ; but, after all, I 
wish they had paid their quarters and gone in ; for, 
really, this is the place where they can get the worth 



THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 279 

of their money, especially in the play of Uncle Tom, 
where they can see plantation manners — see themselves 
as others see 'em. — But there comes a hard-looking 
customer if he be a customer at all ; — no matter — 
if he has got a quarter he can see great sights inside. 

Enter Simon Legree intoxicated. 

Leg. What bill is this, eh ? [Reads'] " Notional 
Theatre. Uncle Tom's Cabin every Night ! Un- 
paralleled success of this Great Moral Drama" ! 
Why, this is the Notional Theatre. I think I 've been 
here before. — Shouldn't wonder if I have; I was 
herewith Malverton — took a drink — and — Ce- 
lestra! — but that's past ! — I will not think of her. 
Uncle Tom's Cabin must be a real curiosity; for I 
burnt it up before I left the plantation, and it must 
have come up here on the principle that the resurrec- 
tion will be got up on : really, I would like to see the 
ghost of Tom's cabin ; I could tell if it be genuine ; 
for I know every feature of it, — I know how all the 
logs looked, — where every knot was and every piece 
of bark ; I would not be afeard of it either ; I ain't 
afeard of anything; I wouldn't be afeard if Tom 
himself should appear and occupy it ; no, not I. Let 
me see ; I have a quarter left, and enough besides to 
pay for a drink. I must see the curiosities. [Ad~ 



280 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

varices into the vestibule. .] But what pict'res are 
these? [Reads'] " Haley making terms with Shelby 
for Slates." Why, that must be the Shelby of old 
Kentuck'— Tom's former master that I heard him 
tell of. Well, I don't care anything about Shelby, 
nor Haley, but I 'd like to have a good swig of that 
liquor they ar' drinkin'. The very pict're of those 
bottles and glasses, makes my mouth water for liquor 
— some real rum, or gin, or whisky, or cogniac ; but 
I'll have to wait till I get inside, I reckon: But what 
kind of a picture is this ? [ Observing a picture of 
Uncle Tom being whipped, and reads'] " Uncle 
Tom with another Master." Putting the whip on 
'im, eh ? " Wal," that looks really nat'ral. That 's 
the way to make a nigger dance. [Hops up.] Go it, 
Tom, if that 's you ; and I believe it is ; for it looks 
just like you, — a real pious nigger: I feel as if I 
should like to have hold of that whip : I 'm used to 
that kind of business : I could make the very, pict're 
of Tom hop right up ! [Hops up] — but — but — I'm 
out of that business now. My plantation is gone, and 
niggers too ! I must see the play ; for it will be 
amusement : may be they '11 want some applause made, 
and if they do, I can do that just as easy as blowing 
on a whistle after I have oiled my blower with a little 
rum or gin, or whisky, or brandy. — I say, Mr. [to the 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 281 

Ticket Agent] how much will I have to pay to go in 
and see the performance ? 

T. Agent. You can go in for a quarter. 

Leg. " Wal," here 'tis ; it is the last quarter I've 
got, but I Ve got enough left to buy a drink or two 
of the good O-be-joyful, at the bar within : I am glad 
you have such good accommodations. 

[Pays his quarter and goes in. 



SCENE XXIII. 



On a Steamboat descending the Ohio River, — En- 
ter a Southerner and a Northerner. 

South. This is delightful view presented here, 
Of the Ohio river and its shores. 

North. It is. 

South. The scenery upon each marge, 

Especially, is very beautiful ; 
Those wide-branched sycamores and stately elms, 
With foliage like to the emerald, 
Are very pleasing to the view. 

North. They are, 

And must delight they eye of every one. 

South. And if insatiate thence the vision turn 



282 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Deflecting glance into the lucid stream, 
The imaged arbors perfectly appear, 
Inverted, yet as grand as beautiful. 

North. There is much here presented to the view 
That challenges affection of the eyes, 
Which are indeed the servitors of mind. 
The scenes that lie surrounding I admire, 
Although not admirable equally, 
To me, appear the separated shores. 

South. But I can not observe the difference, 
If there be any real difference, 
In nature's handy-work upon the shores, 
Between which lies this river's coursing way : 
Each side possesses varied scenery, 
Of cliffs, of hills, of plains, of fields, of woods ; 
All admirable in variety. 

North. All that is admirable I admire 
In works of nature and of art, as far 
As nature may, and art — themselves alone, 
Resolve in the sublimer faculties ; — 
All this itself is pleasing to the eye, — 
Itself is gratifying to the mind ; 
Yet there may be what of itself is fair, 
Connected with associations, such, 
That when the eye beholds, the mind grows sick, 
And then the scene grows painful to the eye, 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 283 

Which turns to be delightful otherwhere ; 

So when I look upon the southern shore 

Of the Ohio river, I grow sick 

From the associations that arise 

And fill my mind with painful contemplations ; 

Therefore I rather turn my eyes away 

From cliffs, and hills, and plains, and fields, and woods, 

Which, on the shore that lies upon the south, 

Are but the symbols in mnemonic art, 

Presenting all the evil of the land, 

Which evil has such vasty magnitude, 

The Union is all blighted with its curse. 

South. I must confess that I am not awaro 
To what you now allude, since, very oft, 
Opinions are conflicting ; what to one, 
Presents appearance very hideous, 
Another looks on with indifference, 
Yet shrinks aghast at what the former sees, 
Mild and most specious in comparison : 
And yet I think you may allude, perhaps, 
To slavery, since what to me appears 
An evil to be deprecated more 
Is not here limited by parallel, 
Nor any marge of any watery way. 

North. I do allude to human slavery 
For nothing else on earth is like to it, 



284 THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

Since of all evils, this presents the sum. 

South. Sir, sir ? 

North. A man made in the image of his God, 
Must toil and sweat beneath the tyrant's lash, 
That tyranny may lie on beds of ease ! 
What can afflict the contemplation more ? 

South. 0, 1 can tell you ! It is painful more 
To see that image which is likest God's, 
Struck down in everlasting ruins, that 
The beasts can even gaze upon his fall, 
Yet none can comprehend how low his fall ! 
0, sir ! the evils of intemperance 
O'er all this land, are spread in broad extent — 
Dark is the curse and dire the misery 
That follow on its desolating way ! 

North. Yet it is voluntary on man's part, 
If he degrade himself through appetite ; 
But 'tis not, in regard to slavery — 
One can not choose, and by that choice be free, 
When power sways over him its mastery. 

South. Though he can not, the will is not enslaved, 
As in the case of appetite depraved, 
Which is the greater bondage on the world, 
Because thereby man's normal being yields 
And is struck down into the deepest ruin ! 
My home is in the south, and yet I think 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 285 

I have not learned unjust comparison. 

North. I think you have ; Look on the sunny 
south; 
Behold the Ethiop blood and Anglican, 
In concourse through the veins of servitude ! 
Say, who are they in bondage, not allowed 
To learn of Heaven or hell except by proxy ! — 
Bought, — sold — made meanest chattels of! 
Oppressors of the sunny south, these are — 
Your sons and your daughters ! — Think of it. 
Th' day blushes ; the night blackens over the 
Enormities of your iniquities ! 

South. Sir, sir, 

North. Eeceive it as you may ; 'tis true. 

South. who am I to listen, and not strike 
A, blow at once to punish insolence ! 
Am I coward ? — am I not a coward ? 
You would appear a brave man : is it brave 
To utter such uncharitable speech, 
Presuming on defying attitude ? 

North. Whatever you may call it, let it pass : 
I do not fear whatever you may do. 

South. Indeed ! I hope it is not your design 
To tempt me to do something I ought not, 
And after, would be very sorry for, 
When high-wrought passion be allayed again. 



286 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

North. I tempt no man ; I only speak the truth. 
Do what you may, I fear no southerner. 
South. And must I bear all this? No: I will 
strike 
And punish insolence, though afterward, 
It should be more occasion for regret, 
Than any other act of all my life. 

{Advances with a stiletto drawn from his cane : 
Northerner draws a pistol and retreats. 
North. Hold ! hold ! I say, or I will blow you 

through ! 
South. No — no — I will not strike; for this is 
not 
The virtue of a man, — this drunkards do 
When they are wrought with the distempered 
draughts ! 
North. I see it is this weapon that you fear. 
South. I fear your weapon not ; I fear myself. 
It follows not essentially that I 
Should be, like many of my countrymen, 
Excited easily to fatal strife. 
Nay : reason holds me back ; it stays my hand ; 
For I have somewhat seen the world's wide ways 
Whence many mischiefs rise, and I confess, 
I rather judge you honest in your thoughts, 
And let it pass as wisdom would advise. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 287 

North. My thoughts are honest thoughts and true 
as honest. 

South. I do not question it : I know that wrong 
Exists in great degree in latitudes 
Where instituted service bears its chains. 

North. A good confession ; very good confession : 
Whoever rather will confess a wrong 
Than hide it, is deserving of respect, 
And I am glad to hear you thus confess. 
I could not dwell where slavery exists : 
I rather be removed from all its curse 
And scenes of horror, to some other clime 
Where man's own offspring are not made his slaves, 
To toil per-force and do his drudgery ; 
Where no Legrees and Lokers torture them, 
And bring them victims to the gates of death. 

South. Yet where is there a country free from 
wrongs. 

North. The northern part of these United States 
Is free from wrongs like these. 

South. 0, is it so ? 

I know that in the country where I live, 
Man is not all divine, nor half divine ; 
For frailty is the large inheritance 
Of mortals there, however different 
It may be in the country that you speak of ; 



288 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

For farther in the northern latitudes, 

The composition of mankind is such, 

That the intoxicating beverage, 

Inflames the passions and depraves the thoughts 

And the affections, so the consequence 

Which makes the day blush and which blackens night, 

Is that the master's sons and daughters are, 

In many cases, illegitimate — 

And born to the inheritance of chains ! 

There, poisonous potions are not good for man ; 

They drink the beverage and so become 

Legrees and Lokers, and their dreadful acts 

Are heralded abroad the wide, wide world. 

North. It matters not what causes evils deeds ; 
Bad acts are bad, whatever be the cause. 

South. Banish the cause, the deeds will disappear, 
Pray, tell me, sir, if in the northern states, 
Men are so constituted that vile drink 
Will harm them not ? — say, are they proof against 
The poisons of th' intoxicating cup, 
So that thereby their passions may not task 
All guilty consequence to bring reproach ? 

North. Well, whether they be poison proof or not, 
I need not intimate ; — they have no slaves. 

South. Yet that which doth degrade men lower 
than slaves, 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 289 

Or even beasts, they have abundance of; 
And that they give to men ; nay, sell to men : 
Ay, sell to us, remote the burning zone 
Less far than this cold line. We drink the fire, 
And then our acts be such that, judging us, 
You think we scarce deserve the name of men. 

North. Your acts be wholly your own acts, not 
ours ; 
And yet you seek to implicate the north 
In cruelties upon the Ethiop slave ! 
Is it not ever so with guiltiness ? 
Guilt ever seeks to hide its hideous shape, 
By turning gaze upon some imperfection 
In the accusing spirit. 

South. Doth it so ? 

Whatever evil there be in the land 

Where slaves toil. I would not attempt to hide. 

But has the north not done them any wrong ? 

And if they have, may I not speak of it, 

If I have any feeling for the wronged ? — 

And doth not this inquiry answer you ? 

But if it answer not, I '11 answer, then, 

" Guilt ever seeks to hide its hideous shape 

By turning gaze upon some imperfection 

In the accusing spirit." 

North. We need not 

13 



290 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Debate unprofitably. 

South. It may be 

Not all unprofitable. If you please 
Look yonder ; can you tell what craft that is 
We are approaching? 
North. Yes, it is a flat-boat. 

South. You see those barrels on it, do you not ? 
North. I do. 

South. That humble boat, too, has a name. 

North. It has a name ; for I can plainly see , 
It is the " Whisky-dealer of Ohio." 
Enter a Flat-boat loaded with whisky. The Steam- 
boat , halting to set a passenger ashore ^remains some 
little time in talking distance from the Flat-boat. 
Boatmen. [ Singing. ~\ 

" Heigh-o, the boatmen row, 

'Way down the river on the O-hi-o ; 
Heigh-o, the boatmen row, 
'Way down the river on the O-hi-o ; 
Boatmen dance, boatmen sing, 
Boatmen up to anything ; 
Boatmen dance, boatmen sing, 
Boatmen up to any thing." 
South. Now I will speak with them, though they 
should think 
I am impertinent when I shall ask 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 291 

How far they go, and what they have aboard ? 
Halloo — the boat. 

Boat. Halloo, yourself, I say ; — 

Are you going to run all night ? 

South. How far do you go down the river, sir ? 

Boat. [Singing J] 0, way down the O-hi-o, 

Then down the Mis-sis-sip-pi-o. 

South. Excuse me, sir, what have you got aboard ? 

Boat. 0, we have got a jolly crew aboard ! 
And more than that, we 've got a load of whisky. 

South. I must not question it, but what, indeed 
Is your boat loaded with ? 

Boat. Whisky, I say. 

South. I beg your pardon, now I understand 
It is your boat thus loaded, not yourselves ; 
But tell me, pray, what is your whisky good for ? 

Boat. 0, it is good — 'tis good — why, it is good 
To drown cares, quench fears, and make men brave. 

South. Does it drown cares ? It brings them on 
in trains 
Unceasing till the grave devours them all, — 
All that are mortal ; — some of them may live 
Still on, and fill eternity with wo ! 
Does it quench fear ? It rather makes men blind 
To every danger, and step o'er the mark 
Discretion lays betwixt the good and ill. 



292 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Ah ! does it make men brave ? It makes them rash, 
And with temerity they rush on death ! 
Let him, and him alone,be counted brave 
Who can withstand temptation's hard assaults 
And 'gainst the evil passions in his breast 
Wage a successful war ; — but I would not 
Give you unpleasant feelings ; — if I do, 
It gives me also pain, but I must speak 
As I think may be service to mankind ; 
For I desire the greatest good of all. 

1st Boat. 0, no offence whatever, sir, and if 
You judge our article of trade not good 
For all the things that I have mentioned, then, 
I'll tell you what 'tis good for ; — It is good 
To make Legrees of and Tom Lokers of! 
All the Boatmen. [Rowing' and Singing.] 
" Heigh-o, the boatmen row 

'Way down the river on the O-hi-o ; 

Heigh-o, the boatmen row 

'Way down the river on the O-hi-o ; 

Boatmen dance," 

[ The Flat-boat moves away. 
South. To make Legrees of and Tom Lokers 

of!- 
But the Legrees and Lokers have not all 
Their dwelling in the south ; for well I know 




Ltssmc-BAP.pn 



I '11 tell you what 't is good for ; — It is good 
To make Legrees of and Tom Lokers of! 

Page 292. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 293 

That there are such inhabiting the north, 

Which place my traverse way hath many times 

Brought me along. On such occasion once, 

When I was powerless to interfere, 

I saw two men in furious combat strive, 

Who were in state of partial drunkenness ; 

Each struggled hard to ward the other's blow 

And thrust his weapon with a fatal aim ! 

I heard a cry ! — I saw the champion 

Rise from his foe, with the stiletto, true 

To its sad purpose, quivering in his heart ! 

Then on the body sat the murderer, — 

The severed head of his antagonist, 

With blood-stained fingers twisted in its hair, 

Dripped sanguinary drops while demon-like 

He whirled it round, and swung it to and fro ; 

And a triumphant smile played on his lips, — 

Smile which had wandered from infernal depths ; 

Then uttered horrid imprecations on 

His victim, quite too awful to repeat, — 

Prayed that his soul might find all else but rest, 

And in a frenzy far too deep for earth 

He muttered o'er and o'er his hellish prayer ! 

North. But northern men do not alone afford 
Means of intoxication to the south ; 
Yet I allow that gold hath tempted them 



294 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

To furnish much, infernal beverage, 

Which I do wish were banished from the world, 

Because the cup is full of cruelties, 

Almost beyond all human utterance ! 

South. The tongue that tells its cruelties, should 
be 
All lightning that the voice should falter not ! 
The ear that hears them, lest it afterward 
Forget all sound, should be so far removed 
That it could not distinguish if it be 
The lightning's answer or the voice of winds, 
Or rushing waters, or the din of war ! 
The pen that writes them, should be flint, and fire, 
And steel, in order to endure the task ! 
The eyes that look upon them, should be all 
Of stone, and dull as night, lest they should weep, 
A flood of tears and drown the world again ! 
You say you wish it banished from the world. 
You do wish so ? Here is my hand — my heart — 
No doubt we understand each other well — 
And argument should have its period. 

North. My heart responds, and we will yet be 
friends : 
On temperance our Liberty depends ; 
United, we will banish as a foe, 
The poison-cup, which is a cup of wo. — 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 295 

South. Which would usurp supremacy entire 
And burn mankind with its consuming fire. 

[ The boat moves away. 






SCENE XXIV. 

A Forest in America. — Enter Lucifer and Beel- 
zebub. 

Beel. Lucifer, thou hast observed how well 
The powers at my command have followed out 
The scheme which made such victim of Legree 
As made the angels weep ; yet while the acts 
Which we have done, are sounded o'er the land 
In solemn cadences, see what advance 
Supernal powers have made against vile drinks. 

Luc. I know how great the influence of all 
Associations working now combined, 
Their vast attempts ; and yet this follows not 
From the divisional disturbance, no ; 
For there is no relationship to cause 
The like dependency, therefore we need 
Chiefly do this — pursue the policy 
Which makes Legree our victim, — with vile drinks 
Perform innumerable acts, which they, 



296 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Who sympathize with suffering, will deem 
Abomination ; yet conceal the cause 
So that reacting effort operate 
Upon effects alone ; and by such means 
"We yet will counteract opposing power ; 
For violence upon the government 
Of these United States, shall by the drink, 
Be carried to its utmost — so shall fall 
This Union, and for ever then will be 
Distracting feuds while fullest liberty 
Shall follow to the instruments of ill — 
And even now in Kansas have we not 
Established rule ? for there the fiery essence 
Blasts the immortal man ! 

Beel. Ay, very true — 

That country is on our side of the line 
Already ; for the deeply-burning liquids 
There serve our will ! 

Luc. Arise now, fallen spirits ; 

And soon this Union shall be victimized 
And not this Union only, but the world ! 

Beel. It shall be ; — there is power enough in lies 
To fill this world with sighs and miseries ! [Exeunt. 



THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 297 



SCENE XXV. 

Within a Hospital — Legree on a Bed. — Attendants. 

Leg. What place is this ? Why are these devils 

here? 

Away ! away ! for this place is not hell ! 

Now vipers cling to me ! 0, take them off! 

Now they are crawling over me ! Take off 

These snakes — they hiss at me ! 0, horrible ! 

Protect me from these dread pursuing fiends 

That multiply around me with their torments ! 

Now flames dance round — now darkness strikes me 

blind. 

Now frightful beings indescribable 

Gaze on me hideous ! I shut my eyes 

To see them not, and yet I see them still ! 

Do ye not see them, and do ye not hear them ? 

Now I am falling ! falling ! — where am I ? 

Oh ! what a vast and absolute abyss ! 

Off, Demons ! Oh ! is there no one who will 

Deliver me from terrors ? God ! — but 
13* 



298 THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

There is no God who will deliver ine ; — 
Celestra, 0, Celestra, where are you — 
You who would never leave me comfortless 
"While you were on earth to comfort me — 
Where are you now ? Come, save me from these 

fiends ! 
These fiery dragons ! — But she is in heaven : 
? T is well, — but I am going into hell ! 
Take off these snakes ! Take off their icy coils ! 
They glare at me with dreadful eyes of fire ! 
I'll take them off; — but now I can not feel 
My body with my hands. 36 Where am I now ? 
I have no body sensible to touch ! 
My spirit disembodied falls in torments ! 
Celestra, save me, save me, Celestra ! — [Dies. 



END OF PART III. 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 



Note 1. — Page 28. 

For here the habitation is, of man — 
The highest of intelligences that 
Inhabit any orb. 

"We have reason to believe that most of the planets are 
inhabited by intelligent beings, but of what characters, and 
what degrees of intelligence, we can not resolve ; and, 
for the purposes of this drama, it may be of little conse- 
quence if it should be discovered that I have erred in 
representing the primitive inhabitants of this earth as 
beings intellectually superior to those who may inhabit 
other planets. 

Note 2. — Page 38. 

Upon the next day, in the evening. 

Although forenoon and afternoon are used respectively 
for morning and evenings yet the latter have also been in 
use from ancient time, and are now generally used in the 
southern states. 



300 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Note 3. — Page 46. 

His labor here among these fruitful trees. 

Man was placed in the Garden of Eden to dress it and 
keep it. Of course we are to understand that this was 
labor, which, in a moderate degree, is not a curse. If 
mankind were now in their normal state, all who are 
neither too old nor too young, would be in the condition 
to labor, and would have intelligence so that little, very 
little of their labor would prove without effect or be lost, 
and therefore all could have the proper luxuries of life 
by means of that amount of labor which is — not a curse 
— but a blessing. 



Note 4. — Page 50. 

Enter Lucifer in the shape of an Orang-Outang. 

I know not that it is of any importance whether the 
form which Satan assumed when he beguiled the first 
human pair, was, or was not, that of a serpent. In 
this drama I have chosen to represent it as one of the 
simia genus ; and however much it may be supposed to 
be the subject of exceptions, is also of little account ; and 
whether either the literal, or the allegorical interpretation 
of the Mosiac account of the fall of man, be the correct one 
instead of the other, it can not affect the truth that evil 
is in the world, and that it is the same, by whatever agent 
it may have been caused. However, for the benefit of 
those who may read this volume, and be curious to learn 
what reasons there may be for believing that the animal 
which the tempter possessed on that occasion, may have 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 301 

been as well one of the simia tribe, as a serpent, — and 
who may not otherwise have convenient access to those 
reasons — I submit the following exegesis of the scriptural 
reference to the same, as given by Dr. Adam Clarke, 
whose reputation of being learned in the languages, may 
entitle it to favorable consideration. 

" We have here [Gen. chap. iii.J one of the most 
difficult, as well as the most important narratives in the 
whole book of God. The last chapter ended with a short, 
but striking account of the perfection and felicity of the 
first human beings, and this opens with an account of 
their transgression, degradation, and ruin. That man is 
in a fallen state, the history of the world, with that of 
the life and miseries of every human being, establish be- 
yond successful contradiction. But how, and by what 
agency, was this brought about? Here is a great mys- 
tery; and I may appeal to all persons who have read 
the various comments that have been written on the 
Mosaic account, whether they have ever yet been satis- 
fied on this part of the subject, though convinced of the 
fact itself. Who was the serpent 1 Of what kind, in what 
way did he seduce the first happy pair ? These are ques- 
tions which remain yet to be answered. The whole account 
is either a simple narration of facts, or it is an allegory. 
If it be a historical relation, its literal meaning should be 
sought out ; if it be an allegory, no attempt should be 
made to explain it, as it would require a direct revelation 
to ascertain the sense in which it should be understood ; 
for fanciful illustrations are endless. Believing it to be a 
simple relation of facts capable of a satisfactory explana- 
tion, I shall take it up on this ground, and by a careful 



302 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

examination of the original text, endeavor to fix the 
meaning and show the propriety and consistency of the 
Mosaic account of the Fall of Man. The chief difficulty 
in the account is found in the question : Who was the 
agent employed in the seduction of our first parents ? 

" The word in the text, which we, following the Sep- 
tuagint, translate serpent, is tttfta nachash, and according 
to Buxtorf and others, has three meanings in scripture. 
1. It signifies to view or observe attentively, to divine or use 
enchantments, because in them the augurs viewed atten- 
tively the flight of birds, the entrails of beasts, the course 
of the clouds, etc., and under this head it signifies to ac- 
quire knowledge by experience. 2. It signifies brass, 
brazen, and is translated in our Bible, not only brass, but 
chains, fetters, fetters of brass, and in several places steel : 
see 2 Sam. xxii. 35 ; Job xx. 24 ; Psal. xviii. 34 ; and 
in one place, at least, filthiness or fornication ; Ezekiel, 
xvi. 36. 3. It signifies a serpent, but of what kind is 
not determined. In Job xxvi. 13, it seems to mean the 
whale or hippopotamus. By his spirit he hath garnish- 
ed the heavens ; his hand hath formed the crooked scr- 
vent, h*n "&ria nachash bariach; as mn barach signifies 
to pass on or pass through, and n"nn beriach is used for 
a bar of a gate or door that passed through rings, etc., 
the idea of straightness rather than crookedness, should be 
attached to it here ; and it is likely that the hippopotamus 
or sea-horse is intended by it. In Eccles x. 11, the 
creature called nachash of whatever sort, is compared to 
the babbler. Surely the serpent (WO nachash), will bite 
without enchantment / and a babbler is no better. 

" In Isai. xxvii. 1, the crocodile or alligator seems par- 






NOTES TO THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 303 

ticularly meant by the original. In that day the Lord 
shall punish leviathan, the piercing serpent, etc. And in 
Isai. Ixv. 25, the same creature is meant as in Gen. iii. 1, 
for in the words : And dust shall be the serpent's meat, 
there is an evident allusion to the text of Moses. In 
Amos, ix. 3, the crocodile is evidently intended. Though 
they be hid in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command 
the serpent (WDr! hannachash), and he shall bite them. No 
person can suppose that any of the snake or seipent kind 
can be intended here ; and we see from the various ac- 
ceptations of the word, and the different senses which 
it bears in various places in the sacred writings, that it ap- 
pears to be a sort of general term confined to no one sense. 
Hence it will be necessary to examine the root accurate- 
ly, to see if its ideal meaning will enable us to ascer- 
tain the animal intended in the text. We have already 
seen that lttna nachash signifies to, view attentively, to 
acquire knowledge, or experience by attentive observation ; 
so ^niaina nichashti (Gen. xxx. 21), I have learned by expe- 
rience; and this seems to be its most general meaning in 
the Bible. The original word is, by the Septuagint, 
translated o<pis, a serpent, not because this was its fixed 
determinate meaning in the sacred writings, but because 
it was the best that occurred to the translators; and 
they do not seem to have given themselves much trouble 
to understand the meaning of the original ; for they have 
rendered the word as variously as our translators have 
done; or rather our translators have followed them, as 
they give nearly the same significations found in the 
Septuagint ; hence we find that o<pis is as frequently used 
by them as serpent, its supposed literal meaning as used 



304 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

in our version. And the New Testament writers who 
seldom quote the Old Testament, but from the Sep- 
tuagint translation, and do not often , change a word 
in their quotations, copy this version in the use of this 
word. From the Septuagint, therefore, we can expect no 
light, nor indeed from any other of the ancient versions, 
which are all subsequent to the Septuagint, and some of 
them actually made from it. In all this uncertainty, it is 
natural for a serious inquirer after truth, to look every- 
ivhere for information. And in such an inquiry, the Ar- 
abic may be expected to afford some help, from its great 
similarity to the Hebrew. A root in this language, very 
similar to that in the text, seems to cast considerable 
light on the subject : [pX$L chanas, or khanasa, signifies 
he departed, drew off, lay hid, seduced, slunk away ; from 
this root come \y^^]akhnas, Wac> khanasa, and \J*^y^ 
khanoos, which all signify an ape, or satyrus, or any crea- 
ture of the simia or ape genus. 

" It is very remarkable also that from the same root 
comes yjsVc^k/ianas, the devil, which appellative he bears 
from that meaning of iwML khanasa, he drew off, seduced, 
etc., because he draws men off from righteousness, seduces 
them from their obedience to God, etc. Is it not strange 
that the devil and the ape should have the same name, 
derived from the same root, and that root so very similar 
to the word in the text ? But let us return and consider 
what is said of the creature in question. Now the nachash 
was more subtle, talis arum, more wise, cunning, or prudent 
than any beast ofthejield which the Lord God had made ; 
In this account we find : 1. That whatever this nachash 
was, he stood at the head of all inferior animals for wis- 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 305 

dom and understanding. 2. That he walked erect, for 
this is necessarily implied in his punishment, — on thy 
belly (i. e. on all fours) shalt thou go. 3. That he was en- 
dued with the gift of speech ; for a conversation is here 
related between him and the woman. 4. That he was 
also endued with the gift of reason, for we find him rea- 
soning and disputing with Eve. 5. That these things 
were common to this creature, the woman no doubt having 
often seen him walk erect, talk, and reason, and therefore 
she testifies no kind of surprise when he accosts her in 
the language related in the text; and indeed from the 
manner in which this is introduced, it appears to be only 
a part of a conversation that had passed between them 
on the occasion, — Yea hath God said, etc. 

" Had this creature never been known to speak before 
his addressing the woman at this time, and on this subject, 
it could not have failed to excite her surprise, and to 
have filled her with caution, though from the purity and 
innocence of her nature, she might have been incapable 
of being affected with fear. Now I apprehend that none 
of these things can be spoken of a serpent of any spe- 
cies. 1. None of them ever did, or ever can walk erect. 
The tales we have had of two-footed and four-footed 
serpents, are justly exploded by every judicious natu- 
ralist, and are utterly unworthy of credit. The very 
name of serpent comes from serpo, to creep ; and there- 
fore, to such it could be neither curse nor punishment to 
go on their bellies, i.e. to creep on as they had done from 
their creation ; and must do while their race endures. 
2. They have no organs for speech, or any kind of ar- 
ticulate sounds ; they can only hiss. It is true that au 



306 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

ass by miraculous influence, may speak ; but it is not to 
be supposed that there was any miraculous interference 
here. God did not qualify this creature with speech for 
the occasion, and it is not intimated that there was any 
other agent that did it ; on the contrary, the text inti- 
mates, that speech and reason were natural to the nachash ; 
and is it not in reference to this, the inspired penman 
says : The nachash was more subtle or intelligent than all 
the beasts of the field which the Lord God had made ? 

" Nor can I find that the serpentine genus are remark- 
able for intelligence. It is true, the wisdom of the ser- 
pent has passed into a proverb, but I can not see on what 
it is founded, except in reference to the passage in ques- 
tion, where the nachash which we translate serpent, fol- 
lowing the Septuagint, shows so much intelligence and 
cunning ; and it is very probable, that our Lord alludes 
to this very place when he exhorts his disciples to be 
wise, prudent, or intelligent, as serpents, yoovifiot, cos o\ 
cxpeis", and it is worthy of remark, that he uses the same 
term employed by the Septuagint, in the text in question, 
0<pis rjv <p$ovi{icoT(tTos, the serpent was more prudent or in- 
telligent than all the beasts, etc. All these things con- 
sidered, we are obliged to seek for some other word to 
designate the nachash in the text, than the word serpent, 
which on every view of the subject appears to me in- 
efficient and inapplicable. We have seen above that 
Ichanas, akhanas, and khanoos signify a creature of 
the ape or satyrus kind. We have seen that the 
meaning of the root is, he lay hid, seduced, slunk away, 
etc., and that Ichanas means the devil, as the inspir- 
er of evil and the seducer from God and truth. (See 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 307 

Golius and Wilmet.) It therefore appears to me, that a 
creature of the ape or orang-outang kind, is here intend- 
ed ; and that Satan made use of this creature as the most 
proper instrument for the accomplishment of his mur- 
derous purposes against the life and soul of man. Under 
this creature he lay hid, and by this creature he seduced 
our first parents, and drew off or slunk away from every 
eye but the eye of God. Such a creature answers to 
every part of the description in the text ; it is evi- 
dent from the structure of its limbs and their muscles, 
that it might have been originally designed to walk 
erect, and that nothing less than a sovereign controlling 
power, could induce them to put down hands in every 
respect formed like those of man, and walk like those 
creatures whose claw-armed paws prove them to have 
been designed to walk on all fours. The subtlety, cun- 
ning, endlessly varied pranks and tricks of these creatures, 
show them, even now, to be more subtle and more intelli- 
gent than any other creature, man alone excepted. Being 
obliged now to walk on all fours, and gather their food 
from the ground, they are literally obliged to eat the dust, 
and though exceedingly cunning and careful in a varie- 
ty of instances, to separate that part which is whole- 
some and proper for food, from that which is not so, in 
the article of cleanliness, they are lost to all sense of 
propriety ; and though they have every means in their 
power, of cleansing the aliments they gather off the 
ground, and from among the dust, yet they never, in their 
savage state, make use of any, except a slight rub 
against their side, or with one of their hands, more to 
see what the article is than to cleanse it. Add to this, 



308 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EAKTH. 

their utter aversion to walk upright ; it requires the ut- 
most discipline to bring them to it, and scarcely anything 
irritates them more than to be obliged to do it. Long 
observation on some of these animals, enables me to state 
these facts. 

" Should any person who may read this note, object 
against my conclusions because apparently derived from 
an Arabic word, which is not exactly similar to the He- 
brew, though to those who understand both languages, the 
similarity will be striking ; yet, as I do not insist on the 
identity of the terms, though important consequences have 
been derived from less likely etymologies, he is welcome 
to throw the whole of this out of account. He may then 
take up the Hebrew root only, which signifies to gaze, 
to view attentively, pry into, inquire narrowly, etc., and 
consider the passage that appears to compare the nachash 
to the babbler, (Eccles. xx. 11,) and he will soon find, 
if he have any acquaintance with creatures of this genus, 
that for earnest, attentive, watching, looking, etc., and for 
chattering or babbling, they have no fellows in the animal 
world. Indeed, the ability and propensity to chatter, is 
all they have left, according to the above hypothesis, 
of their original gift of speech, of which they appear to 
have been deprived at the fall, as a part of their pun- 
ishment. 

" I have spent the longer time on this subject : 1. 
Because it is exceedingly obscure. 2. Because no in- 
terpretation hitherto given of it, has afforded me the 
smallest satisfaction. 3. Because I think the above 
mode of accounting for every part of the whole transac- 
tion, is consistent and satisfactory j and in my opinion, 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OP EARTH. d09 

removes many embarrassments, and solves the chief diffi- 
culty. It can be no solid objection to the above mode 
of solution, that Satan, in different parts of the New Tes- 
tament, is called the serpent ; the serpent that deceived 
Eve by his subtilty ; the old serpent, etc., for we have al- 
ready seen that the New Testament writers have borrowed 
the word from the Septuagint, and that the Septuagint 
themselves use it in a vast variety and latitude of mean- 
ing ; and surely the orang-outang is as likely to be the 
animal in question as U5)na nachash and ocpis ophis, are likely 
to mean at once a snake, a crocodile, a hippopotamus, for- 
nication,, a chain, a 'pair of fetters, apiece of brass, apiece 
of steel, and a conjurer', for we have seen above, that all 
these are acceptations of the original word. Besides, the 
New Testament writers seem to lose sight of the animal 
or instrument used on the occasion, and speak only of 
Satan himself, as the cause of the transgression and the 
instrument of all evil. If however, any person should 
choose to differ from the opinion stated above, he is at 
perfect liberty to do so ; I make it no article of faith, 
nor of Christian communion. I crave the same liberty 
to judge for myself, that I give to others, to which every 
man has an indisputable right, and I hope no man will 
call me a heretic for departing in this respect fr&m the 
common opinion, which appears to me to be so embar- 
rassed as to be altogether unintelligible." 

" [Ver. 14.J The tempter is not asked why he deceived 
the woman ; he can not roll the blame on any other ; 
self tempted he fell, and it is natural for him, such is his 
enmity to deceive and destroy all he can. His fault ad- 
mits of no excuse, and therefore God begins to pronounce 



310 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

the sentence on him first. And here we must consider a 
two-fold sentence, one on Satan and the other on the 
agent he employed. The nacliash, whom I suppose to 
have been at the head of all the inferior animals, and in a 
sort of society and intimacy with man, is to be degraded, 
entirely banished from human society, and deprived of 
the gift of speech — Cursed art thou above all cattle and 
above every beast of the field — thou shalt be considered 
the most contemptible of animals ; upon thy belly shalt 
thou go — thou shalt no longer walk erect, but mark the 
ground equally with thy hands and feet ; and dust shalt 
thou eat — though formerly possessed of the faculty to 
distinguish, choose, and cleanse thy food, thou shalt feel 
henceforth like the most stupid and abject quadruped, all 
the days of thy life — through all the innumerable gener- 
ations of thy species. God saw meet to manifest his 
displeasure against the agent employed in this melancholy 
business ; and perhaps this is founded on the part which 
the intelligent and subtle nachash took in the seduction 
of our first parents. We see that he was capable of it, 
and have reason to believe that he became a willing 
instrument. 

" [Verse 15.J I will put enmity between thee and the wo- 
man. This has been generally supposed to apply to a 
certain enmity subsisting between men and serpents, but 
this is rather a fancy than a reality. It is yet to be dis- 
covered that the serpentine race have any peculiar en- 
mity against mankind, nor is there any proof that men 
hate serpents more than they do other noxious animals. 
Men have much more enmity to the common rat and 
magpie than they have to all the serpents in the land, 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 311 

because the former destroy the grain, etc., and serpents 
in general, far from seeking to do men mischief, flee his 
approach, and generally avoid his dwelling. If, however, 
we take the word nachash to mean any of the simia or 
ape species, we find a more consistent meaning, as there 
is scarcely an animal in the universe so detested by most 
women as these are ; and indeed men look on them as 
continual caricatures of themselves. But we are not to 
look for merely literal meanings here ; it is evident that 
Satan, who, actuated this creature, is alone intended in 
this part of the prophetic declaration. God, in his end- 
less mercy, has put enmity between men and him ; so 
that, though all mankind love his service, yet all invaria- 
bly hate himself. Were it otherwise, who could be 
saved ? A great point gained toward the conversion of 
the sinner is to convince him that it is Satan he has been 
serving, that it is to him he has been giving up his soul, 
body, goods, etc. ; he starts with horror when this convic- 
tion fastens on his mind, and shudders at the thought of 
being in league with the old murderer. But there is a 
deeper meaning in the text than even this, especially in 
these words, it shall bruise thy head, or rather KIM hu, HE ; 
who 1 the seed of the woman : the person is to come by 
the woman, and by her alone, without the concurrence of 
man. Therefore the address is not to Adam and Eve, 
but to Eve alone; and it was in consequence of this 
purpose of G-od that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin ; 
this, and this alone, is what is implied in the promise of 
the seed of the woman bruising the head of the serpent. 
Jesus Christ died to put away sin by the sacrifice of 
himself, and to destroy him who had the power of death, 



312 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

that is, the devil. Thus he bruises his head — destroys 
his power and lordship over mankind, turning them from 
the power of Satan unto God. [Acts xxvi. 18.] And 
Satan bruises liis heel — God so ordered it, that the salva- 
tion of men could only be brought about by the death of 
Christ ; and even the spiritual seed of our blessed Lord 
have the heel often bruised, as they suffer persecution, 
temptation, etc., which may be all that is intended by 
this part of the prophecy." 

Aside from the above reference, intimation respecting 
the chimpanzee, a species of the simia genus, or now 
considered a distinct species, may reflect additional con- 
sideration to this subject. 

" The chimpanzee is a native of the west coast of 
Africa, where it is said to attain a stature equal to that of 
a man. It is by some supposed to be not so far removed 
from the negro as to render conversion of the one into the 
other at all impossible. But if we compare this creature, 
which is admitted by all zoologists, to make the nearest 
approach in its structure to the physical conformation of 
man, with the very lowest and least intelligent of the 
human race, we shall find the difference so great, as 
vastly to outweigh the resemblances, and render several 
intermediate gradations of development necessary, before 
we can arrive from the most man-like monkey at the 
lowest and most ape-like of human beings. 

" Like other monkeys, the chimpanzee possesses four 
hands, that is to say, the hinder feet, instead of being 
fitted as in man for walking on the ground, are converted 
into hands to assist him in climbing trees, his ordinary 
place of abode being among the branches. He progresses 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 313 

in fact very awkwardly when in an upright position, as 
the sole of his foot can not be brought flat to the ground, 
and he is obliged to walk merely on the outside of it, 
with his toes drawn up in a very cramped and uncomfort- 
able position. The thumb of these hinder hands, is by 
no means so perfect as that of the true hands of the an- 
terior members, but even these, when compared with the 
Bame organs in man, will be found very inferior in point 
of perfection. The thumb is much shorter and incapable 
of being brought into those varied relations with the 
other fingers which enable the human hand to perform 
such a vast variety of operations with so much delicacy 
and precision. In the form of the head, too, the differ- 
ence is, perhaps, even still more striking. Instead of the 
large cranium required to contain the brain of a human be- 
ing, the chimpanzee, like his congeners, has a flat, retreat- 
ing forehead, with a large ridge over the eyes for the at- 
tachment of the strong muscles of the jaws. In the 
young animal, the forehead is higher, and the ridge just 
mentioned far less distinct, so that the creature has then 
a much more intelligent and amiable aspect than at a later 
period of its existence ; and as most, if not all, the speci- 
mens which have been brought alive to Europe, have been 
young, a false impression of their intelligence and docility 
and also of their external resemblance to the human race 
has been produced, for it appears that when arrived at 
maturity they acquire, along with great powers for mis- 
chief, every inclination to employ them 

" Their human-like form does not prevent them from 
being eaten by the negroes, who regard a well-cooked 
chimpanzee as exceedingly palatable food, in spite of a 

14 



314 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

tradition which is said to prevail amongst some of them, 
the chimpanzees were once members of their own tribe, 
but were expelled for the filthiness and depravity of their 
habits. In captivity, especially when quite young, the 
animals are exceedingly docile, and imitate many human 
actions to great perfection, they will take their food with 
knife, fork, and spoon, and sometimes appear to prefer 
using these implements, to conveying the food to their 
mouths with their hands. They drink from a cup or 
glass, like a human being, and occasionally evince a very 
human predilection for intoxicating liquors." 

This reference to the chimpanzee, furnishes a text or 
two, worthy of consideration : The tradition of the ne- 
groes, that the chimpanzees were once members of their own 
tribes f but were expelled for the filthiness and depravity of 
their habits, may be true ; for God has ordained laws to 
govern humanity. That there are causes which degrade 
man toward the beast, is true ; and it is equally true that 
there is no limit beyond which, downward, further cause 
can not take him. Certain conditions are necessary for 
the constitution of the being man : Those conditions are 
— such food, such drink, such employment, such society : 
If those conditions be rejected through successive gener- 
ations, the being may still be, but it can not be — man. 

But, rather, 

It can be 
Chimpanzee. 

The same lie which was told to Eve, is told at this day : 
An individual, whose depraved appetite craves such food 
and drink as is not adapted to the wants of man in his 
high, exalted nature, says to him whose appetite is not so 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 315 

depraved : These things — vile beer, stale, and artificial 
wine, gin, rum, man-killer — are all good for food, pleas- 
ant to the eyes, and to be desired to make one good and 
wise! 



Note 5. — Page 73. 

And is its fruit mature, and juice expressed, 
Yet stale and noxious so that ice may have, etc. 

The pure, unfermented juice of the grape is an article 
of refreshment, and oftentimes very necessary ; and it is 
far from my thought to speak against the use of any 
thing that God, in his infinite wisdom and goodness, has 
made for the manifold wants of man. Grapes contain a 
large ratio of nutritive substance : sugar is one of their 
principal ingredients ; but fermentation changes their 
saccharine matter into alcohol, which still proves to be a 
deadly poison, notwithstanding all the efforts put forth to 
make the world believe that it is good for food— -and. to 
be desired to make one good and wise ! Besides the in- 
jurious quality of fermented wines, when we consider the 
prevalence of the vile compounds which affect the feature 
of imitation to them — made up of logwood, rhatanay- 
root, Brazil-wood, brandy-cowe, extract of almond-cake, 
cherry -laurel- water, gum benzoin, aloes, tartaric acid, 
lamb's blood, black sloes, sugar of lead ! — who will deny 
that even man — the frail worm — can work miracles by 
making of deadly poisons, a liquor, which — even while 
it kills — convinces the appetite that it is good for food, 
and pleasant to the eyes, and to be desired to make one 
good, and wise t 



316 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH, 

Note 6. — Page 78. 

Cursed be Canaan, a servant he, 
Of servants shall unto his brethren be. 

" Instead of Canaan simply, the Arabic version has 
Ham, the father of Canaan ; but this is acknowledged 
by none of the other versions." Clarke. 

It seems probable that Ham and his son Canaan, 
were habitually very intemperate, and that Noah, from 
the knowledge of the hereditary effects of the same, 
pronounced the curse on their posterity. " ■ The words 
in the original,' says Hewlett, * are only cursed Canaan, 
equivalent to wretched, ill-fated Canaan /' and might not 
have been spoken till Noah's death." [Ed. Comprehensive 
Commentary] 

By the meaning of the text and the context, it is ob- 
vious that it was not a single act of Ham nor his son 
Canaan, in reference to Noah, for which either would in- 
cur a curse, himself individually, nor bring on his posterity 
a curse having no immediate connection with the cause 
— but their acts must have been such as would necessarily 
bring a curse on their posterity. Dr. Clarke says that 
" Ham and, very probably his son Canaan, had treated 
their father on this occasion with contempt or reprehen- 
sible levity." Be that as it was, it is not even suppo- 
sable that such act, aside from the depravity to cause it, 
would fix a curse on their multiplied descendants at this 
day ; the meaning is plain : God shall enlarge Japheth — 
his posterity ; and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem ; 
his posterity shall dwell in the tents of Shem's posterity; 
and Canaan shall be his servant — the descendants of 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 317 

Canaan shall serve the descendants of Japheth. If it be, 
as some commentators tell us on the authority of Dr. Bush, 
that Shem signifies name [renown] ; Ham, burnt, or black; 
Japheth, persuasion, enlargement; Canaan, extreme hu- 
miliation, it must be supposed that these very names had 
been indicated by the spirit of prophecy: if otherwise, 
then it must be conceded that in the account of this occur- 
rence, which was probably written by Moses nearly 900 
years afterward, the names Shem, Ham, and Japheth, 
were also determined subsequently by the fortunes of 
their descendants. 

If doubt be raised as to Ham's or Canaan's depravity, 
by the violation of physical law, being the cause of the 
curse upon their posterity from generation to generation, 
it must apparently be assumed as a part of its foundation, 
that such is not a cause as likely to reduce to servitude 
any race of man ; which assumption will receive due con- 
sideration whenever sincerely presented. 



Note 7. — Page 89. 

We fain would have all feasting here abound, 
But never fasting, since thereby, mankind 
Become less subject to our influence. 

Fasting is not instituted to do violence to the consti- 
tution ; for if it were, then the heathen who does violence 
to himself by tearing his flesh with iron hooks in order 
to appease the supposed anger of his gods, would there- 
by indulge in a form of worship equally proper. That 
kind of fasting which does violence to the normal 
constituency of the physical man, does the same violence 



318 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

to the mental and moral. Fasting is beneficial whenever 
its effect is to strengthen the being — the mind — the 
soul — and bring it to the tension that guards against 
excess and its concomitant influences. Fasting is bene- 
ficial to overcome the diseased state which is caused by 
indulging the appetite in whatever is injurious, or by in- 
dulging it to excess. Fasting is beneficial to overcome 
the vitiated, depraved, — abnormal — state of the ap- 
petite itself. Fasting is beneficial to overcome such 
diseased state and such vitiated, depraved, — abnormal — 
state of the appetite, whether it be caused by one's own 
indulgence, or inherited from father, grandfather, or 
great-grandfather, or progenitor who lived a thousand 
years before, or even from Adam himself; — and in this, 
as well as in all acts of kindness and benevolence, our 
Savior thought it proper to be exemplar ; for by the 
record of his acts we find that immediately after he was 
baptized he was led by the spirit into the wilderness, 
where he fasted forty days and nights, at which time the 
devil made unsuccessful attempts to influence him. The 
moral power of fasting — this great law of nature, of God 
— Christ taught to his disciples ; for when, on a certain 
occasion they had failed to cast out a devil, and asked 
him why they could not, he replied that " this kind goeth 
not out but by prayer and fasting." 

Piety is promoted by fasting, but sinful desires are 
augmented by repletion ; for whatever clogs the physical 
functions, affects injuriously the mind and soul, which, 
with the physical, have mutual relation — therefore, such 
physical injury is also mental and moral injury : There- 
by one becomes less satisfied with himself and those 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 319 

around him, and is in a less fit condition to fulfil the last 
command of our Savior, that yc love one another. 



Note 8.-— Page 94. 
0, that was Babel — 

" The Targums, both of Jonathan ben Uzziel and of 
Jerusalem, assert that the tower was for idolatrous pur- 
poses, and that they intended to place an image on the 
top of the tower, with a sword in its hand probably to 
act as a talisman against their enemies. Whatever their 
design might have been, it is certain that this temple or 
tower was afterward devoted to idolatrous purposes. 
Nebuchadnezzar repaired and beautified this tower, and 
it was dedicated to Bel, or the sun." [Clarke.] 

According to Herodotus, the tower in the temple of 
Belus in Babylon (supposed to be identical with the 
tower of Babel) was pyramidal, and each side at the 
base measured a furlong, making the whole a half mile 
in circumference ; its height, according to the estimation 
of another, was six hundred and sixty feet Forty years 
after Babylon had been conquered by Cyrus, Xerxes, 
after having plundered the city, laid this temple in ruins : 
It is the most stupendous mass of all that remains of 
Babylon. It lies in a desert about six miles from Hilleh ; 
The ruins of this temple are called Birs Nimrood : The 
Jews call it Nebuchadnezzar's prison. With respect to 
the identity of the tower of Babel, however, there are 
different opinions. 



320 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Note 9. — Page 94. 

For Nimrod hunted men — made them depart 
From the teachings far of Shem's posterity. 

Dr. Adam Clarke, referring to Nimrod (Gen. x. 8), 
says : " Of this person little is known, as he is not men- 
tioned except here and in 1 Chron. i. 10, which is evi- 
dently a copy of the text in Genesis. He is called a 
mighty hunter before the Lord; and from verse 10, we 
learn that he founded a kingdom which included the cities 
Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. 
Though the words are not definite, it is very likely he 
was a very bad man. His name (Nimrod) comes from 
Tia marad, he rebelled; and the Targum on 1 Chron. i. 
10, says : Nimrod began to be a mighty man in sin, a 
murderer of innocent men and a rebel before the Lord. The 
Jerusalem Targum says : ' He was mighty in hunting 
[or in prey] and in sin before God ; for he was a hunter 
of the children of men in their languages ; and he said 
unto them, Depart from the religion of Shem and cleave 
to the institutes of Nimrod.' The Targum of Jonathan 
ben Uzziel says : ' From all the foundation of the world, 
none was ever found like Nimrod, powerful in hunting, 
and in rebellions against the Lord.' The Syriac calls 
him a warlike giant. The *PS tsayid, which we render 
hunter, signifies prey ; and is applied in the Scriptures 
to the hunting of men by persecution, oppression, and 
tyranny. Hence it is likely that Nimrod, having ac- 
quired power, used it in tyranny and oppression ; and by 
rapine and violence, founded that domination which was 
the first distinguished by the name of a kingdom on the 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 321 

face of the earth. How many kingdoms have been found- 
ed in the same way, in various ages and nations from 
that time to the present! From the Nimrods of the 
earth, God deliver the world!" 



Note 10. — Page 101. 

Do this one thing — fall down and worship me. 

" The last temptation was the most subtle and the 
most powerful — All these will I give thee ' if thou wilt 
Jail down and worship me. To inherit all nations, had 
been repeatedly declared to be the birth-right of the 
Messiah. His right to universal empire could not be con- 
troverted ; nor could Satan presume to make the invest- 
iture. What then, was his purpose ? Satan had hitherto 
opposed, and that with considerable success, the King- 
dom of God on the earth ; and what he appears to 
propose here, were terms of peace and an honorable re- 
treat. The worship which he exacted was an act of 
homage in return for his cession of that ascendency which, 
through the sin of man, he had obtained in the world. 
Having long established his rule among men, it was not 
at first to be expected, that he would resign it without a 
combat ; but the purpose of this last temptation appears 
ta be an offer to ■decline any further contest; and yet 
more, if his terms were accepted, apparently to engage 
his influence to promote the kingdoms of the Messiah. 
And as the condition of this proposed alliance, he re- 
quired, not divine worship, but such an act of homage as 
implied amity and obligation ; and if this construction 
be allowed, he may be supposed to have enforced the 
14* 



322 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

necessity of the measure, by every suggestion of the 
consequences of a refusal. The sufferings which would 
inevitably result from a provoked opposition which would 
render the victory, though certain to Christ himself, 
dearly bought; added to which, the conflict he was pre- 
pared to carry on through succeeding ages, in which all 
his subtlety and powers should be employed to hinder the 
progress of Christ's cause in the earth, and that with a 
considerable degree of anticipated success. There the 
devil seems to propose to make over to Christ the power 
and influence he possessed in this world on condition 
that he would enter into terms of peace with him ; and 
the inducement offered was, that thereby our Lord should 
escape those sufferings both in his oivn person, and in those 
of his adherents, which a provoked contest would insure. 
And we may suppose that a similar temptation lies hid 
in the desires excited even in some of the servants of 
Christ, who may feel themselves often induced to em- 
ploy worldly influences and power for the promotion of 
his kingdom, even though, in so doing, an apparent com- 
mission of Christ and Belial is the result : for it will be 
found, that neither wordly riches, nor power, can be em- 
ployed in the service of Christ, till, like the spoils taken 
in war, (Deut. xxxi. 21-23,) they have passed through 
the fire and water, as, without a divine purification, they 
are not fit to be employed in the service of God and his 
Church. 

" Hence we may conclude that the first temptation had 
for its professed object : 1. Our Lord's personal relief 
and comfort, through the inducement of a separate and 
independent act of power. The second temptation pro- 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 323 

fessed to have in view his puhlic acknowledgment by the 
people as the Messiah ; for should they see him work 
such a miracle as throwing himself down from the pin- 
nacle of the temple without receiving any hurt, they 
would be led instantly to acknowledge his divine mission ; 
and the evil of this temptation may be explained, as 
seeking to secure the success of his mission by other 
means than those, which, as the Messiah, he had received 
from the Father. Compare John xiv. 31. The third 
temptation was a subtle attempt to induce Christ to ac- 
knowledge Satan as an ally in the establishment of his 
kingdom."— E. M. B. 

" The above is the substance of the ingenious theory 
of my correspondent, which may be considered as a 
third mode of interpretation partaking equally of the 
allegoric and literal" — Clarke. 



Note 11.— Page 103. 

A soldier offers him vinegar in a sponge on a reed. 

This vinegar was doubtless the wine mingled with 
myrrh which they had offered him a short time previously. 
(John xix. 29.) " Now there was set a vessel," etc. — 
the one containing the mixture offered him on this pre- 
vious occasion — Mark xv. 23. "And they gave him 
wine mingled with myrrh ; but he received it not." The 
parallel place in Matthew (xxvii. 34) has : " They gave 
him vinegar to drink mingled with gall ; and when he 
had tasted thereof, he would not drink." In allusion to 
the second time it was offered him, John has (xix. 30) : 
" When jEsrs therefore had received the vinegar, he 



324 NOTES TO THE DEAMA OF EARTH. 

said: 'It is finished:" — It is very probable that he 
only tasted, and then refused it as he had previously 
done; for in the parallel passages we find that others 
objected, and perhaps somewhat restrained the one who 
offered him the vinegar probably to revive him, that they 
might see if Elias would come and save him from the 
power of his enemies (Matthew, xxvii. 48-49) : " And 
straightway one of them ran and took a sponge, and 
filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed and gave him 
to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether 
Elias will come and save him." (Mark xv. 36) : " And 
one ran and filled a sponge full of vinegar, and put it on 
a reed and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone ; let us 
see whether Elias will come to take him down." There is 
probably an omission in the text here ; for, according to 
the other evangelists who have spoken of this, it was not 
he who offered him the vinegar, but the rest who said, 
Let alone, etc. Luke speaks of the vinegar only as having 
been offered to him (chap, xxiii. 36, 37) : " And the soldiers 
also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar, 
and saying, If thou be the King of the Jews, save thyself." 
Clarke tells us that " Inebriating drinks were given to 
condemned prisoners, to render them less sensible of the 
torture they endured in dying. — This custom of giving 
etupifying potions to condemned malefactors, is alluded 
to in Proverbs xxxi. 6. Give strong drink. "tpD she/car, 
inebriating drink, to him who is ready to perish, i.e. to 
him who is condemned to death ; and wine to him who is 
bitter of soul — because he is just going to suffer the pun- 
ishment of death, and thus the Habbins understand it." 
(Clarke's Commentary Note, Matt, xxvii. 34. Prov. v. 34.) 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 325 

" The Talmud, states that this drink consisted of wine 
mixed with frankincense, and was given to criminals im- 
mediately before execution. A preparation of this kind 
was offered to our Savior : ' And they gave him to drink, 
wine mingled with myrrh, but he received it not.' The 
same custom was observed among the Komans, and, at a 
comparatively recent period, a similar practice prevailed 
in some part of this country [England]." — Grinrod. 



Note 12. — Page 113. 
For from the fruits of th' earth is death distilled. 

There are different opinions respecting the time when 
distillation was first discovered. Professor Waterhouse 
says : " The art of procuring ardent spirit by distillation 
was the discovery of the Arabian chemists, a century or 
two after the death of Mahomet, who died in 631. But 
so sensible were the Mahometans of the destructive ef- 
fects of spirituous liquors that the use of them was prohib- 
ited even by their own laws. Such, however, was their 
prejudice against Christianity, that they willingly suffered 
this infernal and fascinating spirit to be introduced among 
Christian nations. A more subtle plan, perhaps, could not 
have been devised to eradicate every religious principle 
from the human mind, and to disseminate those of an op- 
posite nature. A considerable time had elapsed before 
ardent spirits were manufactured in Europe, and they 
were very sparingly used for several centuries. Then, 
people in general were exempted from raging disorders 
both of body and mind. In process of time, however, 
when distilled spirits were freely taken, it was observed 



326 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

that new diseases appeared, and such disorders as had 
been mild and tractable became formidable and alarming." 

Grinrod tells us (Bacchus, a Prize Essay) that " the 
date and authors of this invention [distillation,] are 
involved in considerable obscurity. The Chinese, whose 
perseverance in scientific pursuits are well known, are, 
by some writers, supposed to have been acquainted 
at an early period with the art of distillation. This sup- 
position, however, is destitute of the necessary proofs. 

" The Chinese and Saracens had long been acquainted 
with a species of distillation, by means of which they 
were enabled to extract the essence or aroma of flowers. 
Perfumes and essences were held in great esteem by these 
oriental nations. 

" Pliny, who flourished in the first century of the 
Christian era, does not make the slightest allusion to the 
art of distillation. Galen is also silent on this subject. 
This justly celebrated physician flourished about a cen- 
tury after Pliny. Galen alludes to distillation as a means 
of extracting the aroma of plants and flowers. 

"The same observation will apply to the Arabians, 
who were famed for their pretended knowledge of al- 
chemy and the profession of medicine. Rhazes, Albu- 
cassis, and Avicenna, three celebrated physicians who 
lived about the tenth and eleventh centuries, speak of 
the distillation of roses, but not of the extraction of in- 
toxicating spirit from fermented liquors. 

" Arnoldus de Villa or Villanova, a physician of the 
south of Europe, who flourished in the thirteenth century, 
is the first writer who distinctly alludes to the discovery 
of ardent spirit. From the statements of this member 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 327 

of the medical profession, it appears that the ancients 
were not acquainted with the process — that it had only 
become recently known." 



Note 13. — Page 114. 

TIus is the universal panacea, 
The emanation of divinity. 

Arnoldus de Villa informs us that when ardent spirit 
was discovered, it was supposed to be a " universal 
panacea." Raymond Lully of Majorca, who was a dis- 
ciple of Arnoldus de Villa, dwelt with much animation 
on its supposed medicinal properties; indeed, he sup- 
posed it to be " an emanation of divinity sent for the 
physical renovation of mankind. It is said that he first 
applied to it the name of alcohol. 

In Hollinshed's Chronicles, there is an allusion to a 
treatise by Theoricus, which speaks thus of the medicinal 
properties of alcohol : " It sloweth age, it strengthened 
youth, it helpeth digestion, it cutteth phlegme, it aban- 
doneth melancholic, it relisheth the heart, it lighteneth 
the mind, it quickeneth the spirits, it cureth the hydrop- 

sia, it healeth the strangurie it puffeth away ven- 

tositie, itkeepeth and preserveth the head from whirring, 
the eyes from dazzling, the tongue from lisping, the 
mouth from snaffling, the teeth from chattering, and the 
throat from rattling ; it keepeth the weasan from stiffling, 
the stomach from wambling, and the heart from swel- 
ling ; — it keepeth the hands from shivering, the sinews 
from shrinking, the veins from crumbling, the bones from 
aching, and the marrow from soaking." 



328 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Note 14. — Page 119. 
And the Christians shall carry it to the heathen nations. 

I know not what reflects so severely upon Christian 
nations as the extension of the means and habitude of 
intemperance to the heathen at the same time and often 
in deplorable connection with what they offer as the 
Christian religion. The efforts of the missionary have 
often been paralysed to a very great extent by the in- 
fluences promoting intemperance, which have often ac- 
companied their labors among the heathen, who, if left 
without the aid of those efforts associated with such evil, 
would be, indeed, less the objects of commiseration. 

Grinrod tells us, on authorities to which he refers, 
that " it was no uncommon thing in Calcutta, and other 
places, to see a European lie intoxicated in the street, 
surrounded by several natives who were very scrupulous 
in the observance of their religious rites and ceremonies, 
and to hear them tauntingly exclaim : ' Here is one of 
your Europeans, look at him, you never see us get drunk- 
en, as you do ; let your missionaries stop at home and 
preach to their own countrymen V . . . . 

" The simple Indian can not forbear to reproach his 
religious instructor with an inconsistency so glaringly op- 
posed to the principles of humanity ; and much more of 
Christianity. ' I am glad^' said a missionary to an Indian 
chief, ' that you do not drink whisky, but it grieves me to 
find that your people are accustomed to use so much of 
it.' « Ah, yes,' said the red man, as he fixed an eloquent 
eye upon the preacher, which communicated the reproof 
before he uttered it — 'We Indians use a great deal of 
whisky : but we do not make it !' 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 329 

" Scarcely any tribe among the untutored Indians in 
North America, has been free from the consequences 
arising from the introduction and use of alcoholic liquors. 
The records of missionary labors among those tribes ex- 
hibit in the strongest light the obstacles which this de- 
moralizing practice presents to the introduction and diffu- 
sion of religious truth. 

" The same injurious example is found to exist among 
professing Christians in Mahometan countries, and is 
productive of corresponding impressions on the followers 
of the prophet. The remarks of a respected missionary 
in Persia, are to the point : ' What kind of Christianity 
do the Mahometans of this country behold ? None that 
has life — none that is productive of a morality, even 
equal to their own;' intemperance, for instance, is so 
common among the Christians of Persia, and the few 
Europeans who stroll hither for the sake of lucre, that 
where Mahometans see one of their own sect intoxicated, 
which is now become rather common, they at once say, 
* That man has left Mahomet and gone over to Jesus.' 

" The same observation may be applied to China. The 
Chinese view with great jealousy the introduction of 
foreign customs, and in particular the attempts made to 
convert them to Christianity. These strong prejudices have 
no doubt, been greatly strengthened by the intemperate 
conduct of the inhabitants of Christian countries, occasion- 
ally residing among them. In the year 1831, the Chinese 
authorities at Canton, had occasion to issue a procla- 
mation forbidding the sale of wine and spirits to foreign 
seamen. This measure originated in the intemperate 
conduct of European and American seamen, who, in their 



330 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

fits of intoxication frequently disturbed the public peace, 
and this to so serious an extent, as to cause a suspension 
of commercial intercourse between China and European 
nations. Lamentable indeed must be that state of things, 
by which the government of a heathen territory is com- 
pelled to restrain the immorality of natives of a Christian 
land. 

" The inconsistent conduct of professing Christians ex- 
hibits a similar result in regard to the exertions now being 
made for the conversion of the posterity of Abraham. It 
can, therefore, excite little surprise that these efforts have, 
hitherto, in a great measure been ineffectual. These 
remarks more particularly apply to Poland and Russia. 
The affecting appeal of a recently converted Jew to his 
Christian friends, can not be too extensively read. He 
distinctly shows that the inconsistency of Christian pro- 
fessors forms the main obstacle to the conversion of the 
Jews. * In the better classes of society on the continent, 
there is, as I have already said, more strictness of morals 
among the Jews, than among the Christians.' ' The im- 
morality of the Christian is quite proverbial among the 
Jews.' Again : ■ You may imagine what I felt, when, 
inquiring one day of my brother, concerning an old ac- 
quaintance, he replied, without having any intention to 
offend me, or even reflecting how his answer was likely 
to affect me, "He lives exactly like a Christian;" mean- 
ing that he led a profligate life.' Also, still in relation to 
the conduct of Christians abroad : ' The Jews are aware « 
that Christians have as well as they, a day which is 
called their Sabbath, and various other festivals or holy 
days. How do they behold these days professedly de- 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 331 

voted to the service of Christ, spent by his pretended 
worshippers. They see the country part of the popula- 
tion coming in to join their brethren of the towns in the 
services of the church, and after these are over, they see 
them resort to the public houses, not merely to spend the 
rest of the day in rioting and drunkenness, but even in 
the commission of crimes, etc.' The narrative is too 
revolting to be further detailed." 

It was quite recently that England made war on China 
because the Chinese had refused to be stultified — killed, 
by their opium. To-day we have news of the bombardment 
of Canton by British war-vessels, the opportunity for 
which appears to have been sought in the pretense of 
insulted flag ; yet while the real cause plainly appears to 
be the exclusiveness of the Governor General Yeh, 
" who," the London Leader informs us, " appears to belong 
to the high tory party of the celestial empire — that 
party which would for ever shut the ' central flower 
nation' against barbaric intruders like the vulgar British." 
For at least a moiety of this exclusiveness, is not the 
British nation responsible ? Let the ghosts of the Ce- 
lestials who have been killed by British opium, give 
answer ! 

It appears that the. American nation has not been be- 
hind in affording to the heathen the means of intoxica- 
tion. " During the year 1835, fourteen merchant-vessels 
eleven of which were American, sold in the port of Hon- 
olulu, Island of Mani, alone, 16,950 gallons of ardent 
spirits, and carried 37,522 gallons to the Indians of the 
northwest coast, making 54,000 gallons of rum and 
brandy distributed among the natives, and it was ascer- 



332 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 

tained that the largest proportion of this was shipped by 
a deacon of a congregational church in Boston. New Eng- 
land rum has found its way from California to Behring's 
Straits, among all the islands of the Pacific and Indian 
oceans, and it has even penetrated into Africa, Egypt, and 
through the whole extent of the Sultan's dominions. — 
The rum which has been exported from this country has 
usually been diluted with one-half water, then drugged 
with tobacco, pepper, etc., and sold for about four dollars 
per gallon. — Not long since, the barque Emma Isadora, 
sailed from Boston with a cargo of 5,200 gallons of rum 
and several missionaries for the heathen !" — Lee. 

This is lamentable to consider ; yet it will ever be 
thus while professed Christians neglect to enforce the 
true teachings of Christ by the powerful presentation, 
(both by precept and example) of God's law, which is 
recognized in nature, and which man must recognize, or 
pay the terrible penalty of disobedience and infidelity. 



Note 15. — Page 119. 

1 Icnoio not why, unless it be from suspicion that on the western world 
will arise influences more powerful than any yet, to oppose the good-vile 
liquors. 

Governments and religious orders have, at different 
times, enacted laws to restrain intemperance, the most re- 
markable and effective of which, I will here, on the au- 
thority of Grjnrod, present mention : 

" The religion of the Chinese, and of most neighbor- 
ing nations, enjoins upon its devoted followers entire 
abstinence from all intoxicating liquors. The inhabitants 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 333 

of China generally, as well as the natives of Japan, 
adopt the religious creed of the divinity Fo, whose pre- 
cepts, by a strict conformity to which alone, they conceive 
they can lead a virtuous life, and obtain his approbation, 
are as follows: 1st. Not to kill anything that has life. 
2dly. Not to steal. 3dly. Not to commit fornication. 
4thly. Not to lie. And 5thly. Not to drink strong li- 
quors." 

" The doctrines of Boodh, or Budha, are adopted by 
nearly one half of the human race. In Ceylon, the Bir- 
man empire, Siam and Laos, this imaginary deity is 
worshipped under the name of Godama or Gautama; 
throughout China under the name of Fo, and in Japan, by 
the name of Siaka. The following quotation illustrates 
the command of this Chinese divinity : — This law com- 
mands us not to drink any intoxicating liquor. There 
are many sorts in the western frontier countries, as 
liquors made of sugar-cane, of grapes, and of many other 
plants ; in this country (China) it is the general custom 
to make a strong liquor from rice — of all these thou 
shalt not drink, with this exception, when thou art sick, 
and nothing else can restore thy health, and then it must 
be known by all that thou drink strong liquors. If there be 
reason for it thou shalt not touch any liquor with thy 
lips, thou shalt not bring it to thy nose to smell at, nor 
shalt thou sit in a tavern, or together with people who 
drink spirits. 

" There was once a certain Tew-pohan, who, by break- 
ing this law, violated also all others, and committed the 
thirty -six sins ; you can see by this, that it is no small 
sin to drink wine [strong drink.] There is a particular 



334 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

department in hell filled with mire and dirt for the trans- 
gressors of this law, and they will be born again as stupid 
and mad people, wanting wisdom and intelligence. There 
are bewildering demons and maddening herbs, but spirits 
disorder the mind more than any poison. The Scripture 
moveth us, therefore, to drink melted copper, sooner than 
violate this law and drink spirits. Ah, how watchful 
ought we to be ourselves." — Catechism of the Shamas, or 
the Laws a?id Regulations of the Priesthood of Budha. 

The very remarkable and successful attempt in the 
Mahometan faith, to arrest the evil of intemperance is 
said to have originated not with the prophet Mahomet, 
but to have been taken from a sacred book called the 
Taalim, the author of which gives the following reason 
for the enactment of prohibition from the use of wine : 

" Two angels, the one called Arot, and the other 
Marot, were sent in preference to all others to govern the 
world, with express orders not to drink wine. A differ- 
ence happening to arise between a husband and wife,, 
who previously had lived together in the greatest har- 
mony ; the latter who was desirous to regain the affec- 
tions of her husband, imagined that she could easily 
accomplish so desirable an object by the mediation of the 
two favorites of Heaven. She accordingly invited them 
to her house, where they were received with every mark 
of distinction. Wine was presented to them in a cup, 
which they were not able to refuse from the beautiful 
hands that offered it. ' It is not,' remarks the writer, 
from whose work this narration is taken, ' very excusable 
in celestial beings to become mortal for the sake of a fine 
woman.' They tasted of the liquor which seemed bo 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 335 

delicious in its nature, that they drank too much of it, so 
that becoming inflamed, and even intoxicated by it, they 
were desirous to repay their kind hostess by certain 
marks of attachment, which, remarks the same writer, 
are in general more used by lovers than by husbands. 
The woman being faithful and chaste, was much embar- 
rassed and concerned to get out of this dilemma. Under 
a pretense of curiosity, however, she asked the two mes- 
sengers what words they made use of to procure a return 
to heaven. One weakness generally leads to another, 
and the angels disclosed to her their important secret. 
The woman instantly profited by their disclosure, and 
ascended to the throne of the Eternal, where, in a sup- 
pliant tone, she exposed her complaint which was heard 
with justice. The Father of the Universe did even more, 
for this pure soul became a radiant star, and the faithful 
angels were tied by the feet with chains, and precipitated 
into the well called Babil, where the Mahometans believe 
they will remain until the day of judgment. The Al- 
mighty, on this account, prohibited the use of wine to all 
his servants for ever. 

" The less learned among the Mahometans, attribute 
this celebrated law to the following circumstance: — One 
day, Mahomet, passing through a village, remarked that 
the inhabitants were celebrating some festival with great 
joy. Having ascertained that a wedding and wine were 
the cause of this mirth, the prophet in his wisdom, judg- 
ing that pleasure was the soul of life, conceived a great 
fondness for that liquor, which enchanted the senses, by 
making men forget their miseries. On passing, however, 
the next morning through the same place, Mahomet saw 



336 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

the earth drenched with human blood, and soon learned 
that the guests having become mad by their excessive 
use of wine, had attacked each other in the most cruel 
manner, and some of them had been killed, while the 
greater part were covered with wounds. The prophet, 
like a wise man, now saw reason to change his former 
hasty opinion, and determined to have nothing to do with 
a custom, the end of which was so bitter and destruc- 
tive." 

" In the 17th century, it would appear that the Turks 
had acquired a love for wine, for, according to Sir Paul 
Ricaut, the Sultan Amurath, a.d. 1634, forbade entirely 
the use of wine, and punished several with death for dis- 
obeying his order. A similar edict was issued by Ma- 
homet the Fourth, a.d. 1670, who commanded all those 
who had any wine to send it out of the town, and the 
punishment of death was announced as the penalty of 
disobedience. The edict of this emperor was generally 
carried into execution. In the decree in question, Ma- 
homet spoke of wine as a most noxious liquor, invented 
by the devil to destroy the souls of men, to disturb their 
reason, and to inflame their passions. This monarch was, 
no doubt, influenced in his conduct by the terrible se- 
ditions occasioned by wine in the reign of Mahomet the 
Third. The latter had his seraglio forced by his soldiers, 
who were under the influence of wine, and escaped with 
his own life by the sacrifice of his principal favorite. 

" Similar prohibitions have frequently been enforced 
in more modern times in Mahometan countries. In Sudan, 
for instance, the Sultan Abdelrahman, in 1795, prohibited 
the use of intoxicating liquor, under the penalty of 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 337 

death, and those who made it, had their heads shaved, 
and were publicly exposed to every possible degrada- 
tion. In Persia also, during Sir Robert Ker Porter' 
visit to that country, in 1819 and 1820, a severe prohi- 
bition was made against wine by4he reigning monarch, 
who not only himself abstained from its use, but ordered 
his officers to destroy all the wine they could discover in 
any part of the kingdom. 

" The late Sultan died of delirium tremens, the result 
of vinous indulgence. The present Sultan, his son, on 
his accession to the throne, issued a proclamation against 
the use of wine, and caused one million of piasters worth 
of wine to be thrown into the Bosphorus." 



Note 16.— Page 132. 

Ay, this is th' very secret of our rule : 
With vile destructive essences do we 
Contaminate the very blood of life. 
And thus develop in the being man, 
The most unnatural predominance 
Of faculties, which, yielding to our sway, 
Urge the pursuit of evil, and in shade 
So deep shroud him that he will not, nor dare 
Seek light ! 

I regard this as being emphatically affirmed in the 
Holy Bible, and all nature, of which God is the author : 
it is concomitant of every law that he has uttered for 
the government of man, or else it is not true that matter 
can affect the soul for good or evil ; and if that is not 
true, then it is not true that "No drunkard can inherit 
the kingdom of heaven." By the influence of matter 

15 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

the soul may receive harm though the indulgence be not 
that which determines drunkenness. The laws of God 
are in the constitution of man, and he who is ignorant of 
man, is ignorant of theology. 

The laws of man's ^eingare spiritual, social and physical. 

When man is in his moral state as a spiritual being, 
his spirit is in communion with God. 

When man is in his normal state as a social being, his 
acts are such as contribute to the happiness of himself 
and those around him. 

When man is in his normal state as a physical being, 
he lives in obedience to the physical law as required by 
the normal spirit. 

To be in the normal state physically, is to be prepared 
for obedience to the social and spiritual laws of the being. 

To be in the normal state socially, is the result of being 
in the normal state physically and spiritually. 

To be in the normal state spiritually, is to be in spirit- 
ual communion with God, the proof of which will be 
such love to man as is manifest in fulfilling the social 
law, and neither of these can be, while the being is not 
in the normal state physically — - for the holy spirit of 
God can not dwell in an unfit temple. 

All the laws of man's being are so instituted that the 
violation of them brings its own punishment. 

Man having been created with his spirit in communion 
with the spirit of God, he is ever unhappy while his 
spirit is not in such communion. 

Man having been created a social being, he is ever un- 
happy while he does not conform to all that is required of 
him as such. 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 339 

Man having been created a physical being, he is ever 
unhappy while he does not fulfill the laws that govern 
him as such: therefore, 

A man can not be happy spiritually without his spirit 
being in communion with God, any more than he can 
be happy physically while his hand is in the fire. 

All punishment is designed for good : the pain that is 
felt when the hand is in the fire, is to cause the hand to 
be taken out quickly. The pain that the spirit feels 
when banished from God, is to bring him back to God, or 
else its purpose must be only for example. 

God never gave evil propensities to man ; he came by 
them, from the violation of law by himself or his progen- 
itors — the same way that he comes by dyspepsia and gout. 

" What from this barren being do we reap, 

Our senses narrow and our reason frail, 

Life short, and truth a gem that loves the deep, 

And all things weighed in custom's falsest scale : 

Opinion is omnipotence, whose veil 

Mantles the earth with darkness until right 

And wrong are accidents, and men grow pale 

Lest their own judgments should become too bright, 
And their free thoughts be crimes,and earth have too much light." 



Note 17. — Page 133. 

In the establishment in Africa 

Of such Christianity as doth receive 

And cherish in its range the evil fruit. 

According to the account given by Mungo Park, who 
travelled in Africa in the years 1795, 1796, and 1797, the 
Africans who are converted to the, Mahometan faith, drink 



340 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

nothing but water; and considering the intemperance 
generally existing in Christian nations, it is quite proba- 
ble that the enemy of mankind prefers that the Africans 
be converted to the religion that admits the use of in- 
toxicating liquors as a beverage, rather than that they 
become Mahometans. 



Note 18. — Page 134. 
Strifes, vmts, havoc, and the imbibing of intoxicating mead. 

" The honey which they collect is chiefly used by 
themselves in making a strong, intoxicating liquor, much 
the same as the mead which is produced from the honey 
in Great Britain." 

" If a man loses his life in one of those sudden quar- 
rels which perpetually occur at their feasts, when the 
whole party is intoxicated with mead, his sons," etc. 

" The beverage of the Pagan Negroes is beer and 
mead; of each of which they frequently drink to excess." 
— Mungo Park's Travels in Africa. 



Note 19. — Page 135. 

1 will bring hither votaries of Baccho 
And Mammon, in effective complement. 

The reader can see how effectually this determination 
has been carried out. The greater share of the low 
groggeries that curse this land, are kept by individuals 
who have migrated here, not to bless our country, but to 
enlarge upon it the curse of intemperance. It is not 
agreeable to make this charge, but it is true, especially 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 341 

as regards the cities. We welcome you, foreigners — to 
engage in any occupation that is for the good of our 
country, but if you love the country of your adoption, 
seek, rather, to assist us to relieve it of the greatest evil 
that can afflict any land. 



Note 20. — Page 135. 

Fast into port at Jamestown, and a score 
Of Africans 1 there have set on shore 
And sold them. 

In the year 1620, a Dutch vessel arrived at James- 
town in Virginia, having aboard twenty Negroes who 
were there sold for slaves. This was the beginning of 
slavery within what was then the boundary of the British 
Colonies in America. 



Note 21.— Page 137. 

And yet the strife of arms has much enhanced 
Intoxication by the essences 
From the West Indies. 

The time of this scene is shortly after the close of the 
French war. The Hon. Charles A. Lee, in alluding to 
the intemperance at this time and during many years pre- 
vious, says : " Between the years 1700 and 1750, West 
India rum began to come into very general use, especially 
in New England and New York, among the farmers and 
laboring men. The lumber and produce of the entire 
colonies were bartered for the products of the West In- 
dies ; and it was not unusual at this period, for farmers 
to consume from one to two barrels of rum in a year. 



342 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

The French war also which occurred about this period 
had a most disastrous effect on the habits of the people, 
in respect to the use of spirituous liquors. This war 
commenced in 1755 and terminated in 1763, having last- 
ed eight years. The colonies furnished the principal 
portion of the troops although considerable bodies were 
sent over from England, many of whom had served in 
the low countries, where spirit was in general use. Ra- 
tions were accordingly served out and thus thousands of 
New England men who had never been addicted to its 
use, acquired a taste and a habit of drinking which fol- 
lowed them on their return to their own families." 



Note 22. — Page 140. 
The cur mi or the mil-jion. 
Curmi (ale) we are told was the peculiar drink of the 
ancient Irish and Britons. Mil-flon (mead) is said to have 
been the common beverage of the early inhabitants of 
England. 

Note 23. — Page 140. 
The people of Albion be also a nation of drunkards. 
It appears that the English had become particularly 
noted for drunkenness ; indeed, during the period that 
England was a commonwealth, drunkenness was so com- 
mon that it was called by other nations the Land of 
Drunkards. In the Historical Miscellany, Gentlemen's 
Magazine, 1736, there is notice of grog-shops having the 
inviting sign : " Drank for a penny, dead drunk for two 
pence, clean straw for nothing." Smollet in the History 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 343 

of England, in alluding to tins fact says : " They ac- 
cordingly provided cellars and places strewed with straw, 
to which they conveyed those wretches who were over- 
whelmed with intoxication. In those dismal caverns 
they lay until they recovered some use of their faculties, 
and then they had recourse to the same mischievous po- 
tion ; thus consuming their health and ruining their fam- 
ilies, in hideous receptacles of the most filthy vice, re- 
sounding with riot, execration, and blasphemy." 

Shakspeare, in alluding to the noted drunkenness of 
the English, places in the mouth of Hamlet in tragedy, 
the following acknowledgment : 

" This heavy-headed revel east and west 

Makes us traduced and taxed of other nations ; 

They clepe us, drunkards, and with swinish phrase 

Soil our addition ; and, indeed, it takes 

From our achievements, though performed at hight, 

The pith and marrow of their attribute." 

We learn on good authority (see Bartholin, lib. ii. c. 
12) that intemperance abounded even in their religious 
festivals (?), on which occasions they drank largely to the 
honor of the Apostles, of the Virgin Mary, and of Christ ! 



Note 24.— Page 154. 
There is a cave, and near its opening, etc. 
Some may suppose that the Mammoth Cave in Ken- 
tucky is here meant ; yet I must acknowledge that I am 
not aware that tradition or history gives any account of 
the infernals having occupied this place for their deliber- 
ations ; however, in this great and wonderful cavern 
there are some scenes which are known by very signifi- 



344 NOTES TO THE DBAMA OF EARTH. 

cant names : I may mention The Bottomless Pit, The 
Haunted Chamber, Purgatory, The River Styx. At the 
distance of nearly six miles in the cave, is a sulphur 
spring, and near it, a huge pile of empty wine-bottles. 



Note 25.— Page 179. 
A country in Pennsylvania. — Enter a body of Insurgents, etc. 

" Soon after, the adoption of the Federal Constitution, 
Congress enacted a general excise law, which was pecu- 
liarly obnoxious to those who had opposed the adoption 
of the Constitution. Such was especially the case with 
the inhabitants west of the Alleghany Mountains, who 
openly denounced the excise law as tyrannical, un- 
necessary, and unjust, and those who voted for it, as 
the friends of monarchy and the enemies of a repub- 
lican government. Being far removed from any mar- 
ket, they found it more profitable to distil than to 
export the products of the soil, and in September, 
1791, open combinations began to be formed for resisting 
the enforcement of the law. Many of the collectors 
were tarred and feathered, and other indignities offered 
them, so that no persons could be found who were wil- 
ling to undertake the office. The deputy marshals were 
also intimidated from serving process on those who had 
committed acts of violence on the persons of revenue 
officers. The most obnoxious features of the excise act 
were repealed by Congress ; but still it could not be en- 
forced. The principle of excise, and not the detail of 
its execution, became the object of hostility. A general 
convention was held at Pittsburgh, at which resolutions. 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 345 

for the second time were passed, for resisting the execu- 
tion of the law, for withholding all intercourse with ex- 
cise officers, and for treating them on all occasions with 
contempt. The people at large were exhorted to follow 
the same line of conduct ; committees of correspondence 
were appointed, and pains taken \o increase the number 
of the disaffected. 

" At first the President issused a proclamation, exhort- 
ing all persons to desist from any combination or proceed- 
ings which tended to obstruct the execution of the laws, 
and require the interference of the civil magistrates. Other 
measures*were also adopted, such as intercepting spirits 
on their way to market, and directing the agents of the 
army to purchase only those on which the duty had been 
paid. But notwithstanding all these measures, the law 
was still resisted until the 15th of July, 1794, the marshal, 
while in the execution of his duty, was beset on the road 
by a body of armed men, who fired at him. On the 
next day, the insurgents, to the number of five hundred, 
attacked the house of the inspector, and took him pris- 
oner, together with the force which he had collected for 
his defense. The public mails from Pittsburgh to Phila- 
delphia, were stopped and rifled, and the insurgents 
boldly proclaimed that it was their intention to resist by 
force of arms the authority of the United States. No 
other alternative being now left, the President of the 
United States made a requisition on the Governors of 
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, for 
a force of 15,000 men, who were placed under the com- 
mand of Governor Lee, of Virginia. The insurgents 
numbered about 7>000 strong. The army marched into 
15* 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

the country of the disaffected, but finding no armed force 
but what was readily dispersed, left a small body of men 
after having secured a few of the leaders, and thus end- 
ed the famous whisky rebellion of 1791." — Lee. 



Note 26. — Page 185. 

A gleam 

Of light shot out of heaven athwart the ways 
Of our dominion. 

This is allusion to the temperance movement in the 
United States. The " American Temperance Society" 
was instituted in the year 1826. The labors and wri- 
tings of the Rev. Dr. Lyman Beecher, doubtless contributed 
very largely to give impulse to the temperance cause 
which has moved onward, gathering strength, and saved 
the country from the ruin which was impending in the 
vice of intemperance. And if the zeal of philanthropists 
now be turned away from this evil, our country may yet 
sink into ruin. Are not the enemies to peace and pros- 
perity, now calling for more of the man-destroying liquor, 
and for liberty to dispense it ; and is not that liberty 
granted — so that our neighbors, our friends, our sons, 
our daughters, our grand-children, may suffer from its in- 
fluence — may starve, and shiver in rags — may drink 
it and be destroyed ! 



Note 27.— Page 188. 
He shall be plied with vilest essences, etc. 
I have not deemed it essential that I should adopt the 
same circumstance of Legree's earlier days, as presented 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 347 

in " Uncle Tom's Cabin," which influenced him to bru- 
talities. — I have not thought it necessary to send him 
forth upon the ocean in a piratical vessel in order to pre- 
pare him for crimes of the grossest nature ; no : For this, 
I find the entire means on dry land : — all the instru- 
ments and appliances are there, and it has seemed to me 
only necessary to present him as being made a subject 
of their influence. I have done so. That intemperance 
was the principal cause of the cruelties of Legree, will 
doubtless appear when we consider the following quota- 
tions from " Uncle Tom's Cabin." 

" Simon rode on, however, apparently well pleased, 
occasionally pulling away at a flask in his pocket." — 
Chap. 32. 

" Legree was just mixing himself a tumbler of punch, 
pouring his hot water from a cracked and broken-nosed 
pitcher, grumbling as he did so, ' Plague on that Sam- 
bo, ' " etc. — Chap. 35. 

" ' Blast it,' said Legree to himself, as he sipped his 
liquor ; * where did he get that V " — lb. 

" Legree and both the drivers, in a state of furious in- 
toxication, were singing, whooping, upsetting chairs, and 
making all manner of ludicrous and horrid grimaces at 
each other." — lb. 

"His coarse, strong nature craved, and could endure, 
a continual stimulation, that would have utterly wrecked 
and crazed a finer one." — Chap. 36. 

" Legree was serving brandy profusely among them." 
—Chap. 40. 

" He drank more than usual ; held up his head briskly, 
and swore louder than ever." — Chap. 42. 



348 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

" After this Legree became a harder drinker than 
ever before." — lb. 



Note 28. — Page 225. 
— Think of it and smile. 
Mr. Dunlop, in a work entitled, " Drinking usages 
in Great Britain," details them to the number of two 
hundred and ninety-seven ! 



Note 29. — Page 253. 

They fight, and St. Clare, in attempting to part them, is stabbed. 

" St. Clare had turned into a cafe to look over an 
evening paper. As he was reading, an affray arose be- 
tween two gentlemen in the room who were both partially 
intoxicated. St. Clare and one or two others made an 
effort to separate them, and St. Clare received a fatal 
stab in the side with a bowie-knife, which he was at- 
tempting to wrest from one of them." — Uncle Tom's 
Cabin. 



Note 30.— Page 258. 
Yes, Mas'r, etc. 
The slave in the south calls the white man master 
whether he is his slave or not. 



Note 31. — Page 265. 
Oftentimes 1 have had feasts to which thousands gathered, etc. 
"We will call attention to an occurrence of this kind 
which took place in Scotland in July, 1830, on the oc- 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 349 

casion of the coming of age of the son of a gentleman of 
large estate. 

" The company took their seats at about two o'clock 
in the afternoon, and then commenced the cutting and 
distributing of the ox to which was added an unlimited 
supply of porter, strong ale, and whisky. Four half- 
hogsheads of porter and six of strong ale, with about 
sixty gallons of beer, were provided for the occasion. When 
the party had sufficiently regaled themselves, and had 
often devoted copious libations to the happiness of their 
generous employer and his amiable lady, they quietly 
dispersed. No sooner had they dispersed, than the spec- 
tators took possession of them, and the work of jollifi- 
cation went on briskly. Nor were the intoxicating 
draughts confined to those who encompassed the im- 
mense rustic table ; pitchers of whisky mixed with strong 
ale and porter, were served out in the most liberal man- 
ner to all who chose to participate in them. The con- 
sequence was that in a very short time hundreds were in 
a state of deep intoxication ; and hand-barrows and carts 
were instantly put in requisition to convey them to their 
several habitations. On the road from Bannockburn 
Muir, in every direction, people were found lying perfectly 
helpless. One man states, that between Bannockburn and 
Stirling, he loosened the neck-cloths, and placed in elevated 
positions, no less than eight individuals, evidently in 
danger of suffocation. But the scene around the table 
baffles description. Some ran thither to assist fathers — 
others to help sons — some to aid brothers — others to 
succor husbands — and not a few husbands to bring away 
frail wives. It frequently happened, too, that those who 



350 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

proffered assistance to others, were prevailed on to taste 
the liquor, and therefore were soon as much in need of 
aid themselves as those to whom they meant to extend 
it. Men, women, and children, were seen stagger- 
ing about in inimitable confusion, tumbling over each 
other with the utmost unconcern, and lying by scores in 
every direction, neither able to tell their names nor their 
residences. On Sunday morning, parties were out in all 
directions looking for relations and friends, and removing 
them from the highways that they might not be observed 
by people going to church. No fewer than three indi- 
viduals died from the effects of excessive drinking, not to 
mention several others who narrowly escaped a similar 
fate from the same cause, having been obliged to be re- 
peatedly bled, and afterward attended by medical men. 
The three victims to this debauch were all stout young 
men in the prime of life." — Public Papers, (See Bac- 
chus, by Grinrod.) 

A work published in Scotland, entitled, " Some Account 
of the State of Morals and Religion in Syke, in 1805, 
and the Period immediately previous to It," had the fol- 
lowing melancholy picture of the barbarous manner in 
which their funerals were conducted : " Some were free 
enough to acknowledge that they experienced delight in 
hearing of the death of a man or woman, because of the 
'prospect it afforded them of getting their fill of whisky. 
The friends of the deceased were particularly anxious to 
solemnize the funeral with a great feast. This was what 
they called burying their deceased friend with decency. 
Hence they wasted, not only unnecessarily, but most 
wantonly, a great quantity of liquor and victuals on 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 351 

those occasions. This woful and barbarous practice was 
general and of so long standing, that persons, when arrived 
at old age,manifested a great anxiety to lay by a certain sum 
of money against their funeral. And upon their death-beds, 
while indifferent upon the state of their souls, they would 
not forget to order matters regarding their funerals ; often 
expressing, that ■ they would not he happy unless men 
were drunk and fought at their funerals.' Their sur- 
viving relations would not forget to attend to their dying 
requests. For honor's sake this barbarous custom must 
be complied with. Not to do so, was incurring disgrace. 
Hence, many who were poor in circumstances, in order 
to attend it, ran themselves deeply into debt, which some 
of them were never able to discharge. Surely, it was a 
spectacle calculated to awaken deep regret in the bosom 
of an enlightened and benevolent Christian, to behold 
the distressed widow in the most destitute circumstances, 
going without shoes or head-dress, with six, seven, or 
eight ragged and starving children, while perhaps the 
only coin must be disposed of to procure whisky to make 
her neighbors drunk and fight one another. Although 
the people on other occasions would walk twenty or 
thirty miles without either food or drink, yet, at funerals 
the persons assembled must be treated to excess, though 
the place of interment should not be a mile distant. 
Scores of men must be invited ; and every man served 
with four or even five glasses of strong whisky, and some 
food before they moved. Horse-loads of bread and cheese, 
dressed fowls, beef, and whisky, went along with them to 
the burying-ground. The funeral procession marched in 
good humor, preceded by a piper to the place of inter- 



352 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

ment. When the grave was secured, they sat down in 
some convenient place in the open air, but not unfre- 
quently in the church, when the minister happened to be 
so generous as to grant his permission. The feasting then 
commenced. The rulers of the feast were always most 
pressing in their liberality. A number of uninvited per- 
sons were seen to make their appearance ; they were 
served separately. Bread and beef were tossed in the 
air that they might alight among the boys, to produce 
scuffling among them, to the no small amusement of the 
assembly, and the great honor of the deceased ! As the 
drinking advanced, they became wildly obstreperous and 
tumultuous, so that the clamor might be heard at a great 
distance. When the day was far spent, and the excessive 
drinking of ardent spirits had produced general intoxica- 
tion, fighting and bloodshed ensued. The men of the 
different clans would form themselves into parties, and 
furiously attack each other. Many would be so over- 
come with drunkenness, that, they could not move. The 
grosser the transactions of the day, it was considered the 
more honorable, and a more lasting monument to the 
memory of the deceased. At a gentleman's funeral five 
or six ankers of whisky would generally be consumed. 
Most of the ministers would countenance this barbarous 
custom with their presence, and none of them ever made 
any vigorous effort to suppress or abolish it." 

In a work entitled " The Life of the Empress Cather- 
ine" we have the following dreadful account of a gra- 
tuitous (?) feast which occurred in the city of St. Peters- 
burgh, Russia, in the year 1779 : "One of the farmers 
of the brandy duty who had made an immense fortune 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OP EARTH. 353 

by his contract, proposed to give a feast to the inhabitants 
of the city, in testimony of his gratitude to those who 
had enriched him. The victuals, the beer, and the 
brandy, which he caused to be served, cost him 20,000 
rubles, — $15,000! The populace flocked in crowds to 
the place adjoining to the summer-garden, where he 
gave this enormous repast ; and in spite of the precau- 
tions that had been taken, disturbances soon arose among 
this motley throng of guests. The contentions first began 
about the places, and the better kind of provisions spread 
upon the board ; from struggles and noise they proceeded 
to blows. Several persons were killed ; others became 
so intoxicated that they fell asleep in the streets and 
perished from the severity of the weather. The number 
of people who lost their lives on this occasion amounted 
to at least 500 !" 



Note 32.-— Page 266. 

Uncle Tom Beer, Uncle Tom Gin, Uncle Tom Wine, Uncle Tom 
Cogniac, and great many kinds. 

Dickens, in a graphic sketch of the bar of a large gin 
shop, tells us that " There are two side aisles of great 
casks, painted green and gold, enclosed within a light 
brass rail, and bearing such inscription as ' Old Tom, 549 j* 
« Young Tom, 360 ;' < Samson, 1421.' " 

Giving a general description of a gin-palace, the same 
author says, " A handsome plate of glass in one door di- 
rects you to the ■ Counting-house ;' another to the ' Bottle 
department ;' a third to the * Wholesale department ;' a 
fourth to the ' Wine Promenade ;' and so forth, until we 



354 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

are in daily expectation of meeting a ' Brandy Bell,' or a 
* Whisky Entrance.' Then ingenuity is exhausted in 
devising attractive titles for the different descriptions of 
gin ; and the dram-drinking portion of the community as 
they gaze upon the gigantic black and white announce- 
ments, which are only to be equalled in size by the 
figures beneath them, are left in a state of pleasing hesi- 
tation between ' The Cream of the Valley,' ' The Out and 
Out,' ' The no Mistake,' * The Good for Mixing,' * The 
real Knock-me-down,' ' The Celebrated Butter Gin,' « The 
regular Flare-up,' and a dozen other equally inviting 
wholesome liquors. Although places of this description 
are to be met with in every second street, they are in- 
variably numerous and splendid in precise proportion to 
the dirt and poverty of the surrounding neighborhood. 
The gin-shops in and near Drury-lane, Holborn, St. 
Giles's, Covent-Garden, and Clare-market, are the hand- 
somest in London. There is more filth and misery near 
those great thoroughfares than in any other part of the 
city." 



Note 33. — Page 266. 

And thrash the ragged urchins till they smell. 
Infernal power and answer with a yell. 

There is doubtless no place in the world where human 
beings who are innocent of crime, receive such diabolical 
treatment as the servants in the British workshops do. It 
is a shocking subject of reflection — it is appalling; yet, 
to the effects of intemperance the cause of this cruelty 
can be generally traced. " In Sedgley they are some- 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 355 

times struck with a red-hot iron, and burned and bruised 
simultaneously ; sometimes they have a flash of lightning 
sent at them. When a bar of iron is drawn white-hot 
from the forge, it emits fiery particles, which the man 
commonly flings in a shower upon the ground by a swing 
of his arm, before placing the bar upon the anvil. This 
shower is sometimes directed at the boy. It may come 
over his hands and face, his naked arms, or on his breast. 
If his shirt be open in front, which is usually the case, 
the red-hot particles are lodged therein, and he has to 
shake them out." — Horne, Report, p. 76, § 757. 

" In Wednesbury, a few months ago an adult workman 
broke a boy's arm by a blow with a piece of iron ; the 
boy went to school till his arm got well ; his parents 
thought it a good opportunity to give him some school- 
ing." — lb., Evidence, No. 331. 

" The class of children in this district, the most abused 
and oppressed, are the apprentices, and particularly those 
who are bound to the small masters among the lock- 
smiths, key and bolt makers, screw-makers, etc. Even 
among these small masters, there are respectable and hu- 
mane men, who do not suffer any degree of poverty to 
render them brutal ; but many of these men treat their 
apprentices not so much with neglect and harshness, as 
with ferocious violence, the result of unbridled passions, 
excited often by ardent spirits, acting on bodies exhaust- 
ed by overwork, and on minds which have never re- 
ceived the slightest moral or religious culture, and which, 
therefore, never exercise the least moral or religious re- 
straint." — lb. 

Though abundant is the evidence which is really start- 



356 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

ling to every one possessed of human feeling, I need here 
adduce only a few instances : 

" , Aged sixteen : His master stints him 

from six in the morning till ten and sometimes eleven at 
night, as much as ever he can do ; and if he don't do it 
his master gives him no supper, and gives him a good 
hiding, sometimes with a big strap, sometimes with a big 
stick. His master has cut his head open five times — 
once with a key, and twice with a lock ; knocked the 
corner of a lock into his head twice — once with an iron 
bolt, and once with an iron shut — a thing that runs into 

the staple. His master's name is , of Little 

London. There is another apprentice besides him, who 
is treated just as bad." — lb., p. 32. 

" , Aged fourteen : Has been an in-door ap- 
prentice three years. Has no wages ; nobody gets any 
wages from him. Has to serve till he is twenty-one. His 
master behaves very bad. His mistress behaves worse, 
like a devil, she beats him j knocks his head against the 
wall. His master goes out a drinking, and when he comes 
back, if anything 's gone wrong that he (the boy) knows 
nothing about, he is beat all the same." — lb., p. 32. 

In the year 1831, a woman named Esther Hibner was 
executed in London for starving and beating to death a 
parish apprentice. — "The evidence in the case of Es- 
ther Hibner proved that a number of girls, pauper ap- 
prentices, were employed in a workshop ; that their 
victuals consisted of garbage, commonly called hog's 
wash, and of this they never had enough to stay the pains 
of hunger ; that they were kept half naked, half clothed in 
dirty rags, that they slept in a heap on the floor amid 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 357 

filth and stench ; that they suffered dreadfully from cold ; 
that they were forced to work so many hours together ; 
that they used to fall asleep while at work ; that for fal- 
ling asleep, for not working as hard as their mistress wish- 
ed, they were beaten with sticks, with fists, dragged by 
the hair, dashed on the ground, trampled upon and other- 
wise tortured ; that they were found, all of them more or 
less, covered with chilblains, scurvy, bruises, and wounds ; 
that one of them died of ill-treatment; and — mark this 
— that the discovery of that murder was made in conse- 
quence of the number of coffins which had issued from 
Esther Hibner's premises, and raised the curiosity of her 
neighbors. For this murder Mrs. Hibner was hanged; 
but what did she get for all the other murders which, re- 
ferring to the number of coffins, we have a right to believe 
she committed. She got for each 6610 ($50). That is to 
say, whenever she had worked, starved, beaten, dashed, 
and trampled a girl to death, she got another girl to treat 
in the same way with c£10 for her trouble." — England 
and America: Harper & Brothers, publishers, 1834. 



Note 34. — Page 270. 

Uncle Tom was a saint and hated the good-vile drinks, etc. 

Uncle Tom thus warned his master of the consequen- 
ces of intemperance : — "0, my dear young Mas'r ! I *m 
afraid it will be loss of all — all — body and soul. The 
good book saith ' It biteth like a serpent and stingeth 
like an adder V my dear Mas'r." — > Uncle Tom's Cabin. 



358 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

Note 35. — Page 272. 
A gin-shop in England. 
Dickens gives the following sketch of the bar of a 
large gin-shop and its ordinary customs in Drury-lane, 
London : " All is light and brilliancy. The hum of many 
voices issues from that splendid gin-shop, which forms the 
commencement of the two streets opposite, and the gay 
building with the fantastically ornamented parapet, the illu- 
minated clock, the plate-glass windows, surrounded by 
stucco rosettes, and its profusion of gas-lights in richly 
gilt burners, is perfectly dazzling when contrasted with 
the darkness we have just left (coining through the nar- 
row streets and dirty courts which divide Drury-lane from 
Oxford-street, and that classical spot adjoining the brewery 
at the bottom of Tottendam-court-road, best known to the 
initiated as the Rookery). The interior is even gayer 
than the exterior. A bar of French-polished mahogany, 
elegantly carved, extends the whole width of the place ; 
and there are two side aisles of great casks, painted green 
and gold, enclosed within a light brass rail, and bearing 
such inscriptions as ' Old Tom, 549 ;' ■ Young Tom, 360 ;' 
4 Samson, 1421.' Beyond the bar is a lofty and spacious 
saloon, full of the same enticing vessels, with a gallery 
running around it equally well furnished. On the counter 
in addition to the usual spirit apparatus, are two or three 
little baskets of cakes and biscuits, which are carefully 
secured at the top with wicker-work, to prevent their 
contents from being unlawfully extracted. Behind it are 
two showily-dressed damsels with large necklaces, dis- 
pensing the spirits and ' compounds.' They are assisted 



NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 359 

by the ostensible proprietor of the concern, a stout, coarse 
fellow in a fur cap, put on very much on one side, to give 
him a knowing air, and display his sandy whiskers to the 
best advantage. It is growing late and the throng of 
men, women, arid children, who have been constantly go- 
ing in and out, dwindle down to two or three occasional 
stragglers — cold, wretched-looking creatures in the last 
stage of emaciation and disease. That knot of Irish labor- 
ers at the lower end of the place, who have been alternately 
shaking hands with and threatening the life of each other 
for the last hour, become furious in their disputes, and 
finding it impossible to silence one man, who is particu- 
larly anxious to adjust the difference, they resort to the 
infallible expedient of knocking him down and jumping 
on him afterward. The man in the fur cap and the pot- 
boy rush out; a scene of riot and confusion ensues; half 
the Irishmen get shut out, and the other half get shut in ; 
the pot-boy is knocked among the tubs in no time ; the 
landlord hits everybody, and everybody hits the landlord ; 
the barmaids scream ; the police come in ; and the rest 
in a confused mixture of arms, legs, staves, torn coats, 
shouting and struggling. Some of the party are borne 
off to the station-house, and the remainder slink home to 
beat their wives for complaining, and kick the children 
for daring to be hungry." And thus Dickens gives the 
description of the homes to which they slink : " Wretched 
houses with broken windows patched with rags, and 
paper, every room let out to a different family, and in 
many instances to two or even three ; fruit and ' sweet- 
stuff ' manufacturers in the cellars, barbers and red-herring 
venders in front parlors, and cobblers in the back j a 



360 NOTES TO THE DRAMA OF EARTH. 

bird-fancier on the first-floor, three families on the second, 
starvation in the attics, Irishmen in the passage ; a ' mu- 
sician' in the front kitchen, and a charwoman and five 
hungry children in the hack one — filth everywhere — 
a gutter before the houses and a drain behind them — 
clothes drying and slops emptying from the windows; 
girls of fourteen or fifteen with matted hair, walking 
about barefooted, and in white great coats, almost their 
only covering ; boys of all ages, in coats of all sizes and 
no coats at all ; men and women, in every variety of 
scanty and dirty apparel, lounging, scolding, drinking, 
smoking, squabbling, fighting, and swearing." 



Note 36. — Page 298. 

But now 1 can not fed 

My body with my hands. 

A certain individual, in describing the manner in 
which he had been afflicted with delirium tremens, says : 
" I lost the sense of feeling too ; for I attempted to grasp 
my arm in one hand, but consciousness was gone. I put 
my hand to my side, to my head, but felt nothing; and 
still I knew that my limbs and frame were there." 



THE END. 



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